Dental caries prevalence and its correlation with dental health behavior, nutrition and socioeconomic conditions in twelve-year-old children

ABSTRACT

The aim of present study was to extend information and data on DMFT index in Shahreza city in 2000. Two hundred twelve-year-old students [100 girls and 100 boys] were examined clinically. For determining oral health behavior, questionnaires were distributed among the students and their parents. T-student, T-paired, ANOVA- one way and Tuky tests were used for statistical analysis. DT, MT, FT and DMFT were 5.04 +/- 3.67 -4.31 +/- 2.81 [t=1.580], 0.15 +/- 0.36 - 0.03 +/- 0.17 [t=1.746], 0.98 +/- 1.53 - 0.18 +/- 0.67 [t=4.785], 6.12 +/- 3.67 - 4.52 +/- 3.05 [t=2.605] in girls and boys respectively. FT and total DMFT were significantly higher in girls [P<0.01]. The difference between DT-FT, DT-MT and FT-MT in both girls and boys were significant [P<0.01]. The influence of income, occupation and educational background of parents and number of brushing per day, consumption of sugary and healthy food and dental visit per year were also determined. The difference among different income levels [good, moderate and poor] were significant [P<0.01] In comparison with the other two groups, the poor had the lowest level of DMFT. In comparison with WHO standard [Year 2000] of 3 for DMFT, the index was higher in Shahreza. Attention to the correction of fluoride level of drinking water and the dental health care especially in girls was suggested