Prevalence of dental caries in Bibi Aseefa Dental College, Larkana areas

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted for the first time in Bibi Aseefa Dental College [BADC], Larkana from April 2012 to March 2013 to evaluate the prevalence of dental caries in Larkana city and its adjoining areas, and to know the effect of age, gender, socioeconomic status, oral hygiene status and attitude towards dental awareness to caries prevalence. It was a Cross-sectional study. Six hundred patients between 13-20 and 21-30 years of age were selected from dental OPD, BADC, Larkana. The dentition was examined using WHO 1997 guidelines. The results were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Chi-square test was used to evaluate results. The overall caries prevalence in 13-20 years and 21-30 years old groups in Larkana city and adjoining areas determined was 100%.The mean DMFT value was higher i.e. 3.42 in age group 13-20 years. Besides age, the gender, socioeconomic status, oral hygiene status and attitude towards dental awareness were significantly related to dental caries prevalence. It was concluded that prevalence of dental caries in Larkana city and its adjoining areas was found considerably higher, and it was significantly related to bad oral hygiene and socioeconomically deprived patients which indicates lack of awareness and motivation. Prevalence of dental caries decreased with increasing age