ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The tooth decay is considered according to the WHO as the fourth world plague, after cancers, cardiovascular diseases and HIV infection. It is about a multifactorial affection few studied in Benin. The purpose of this work was to study prevalence of the tooth decay in schools in the city of Ouidah. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional and analytical study from 27th to 31st May 2013. It focused on 497 students aged from 5 to 15 years of primary and secondary schools in Ouidah. Each child received a dental examination and oral interview which allowed us to have the demographic data and those concerning behavior. RESULTS: The study disclosed that 73% of subjects have toothbrush, but only 4% of them brush frequently their teeth (3 three times a day). 96% of subjects stated that they have never consulted a dentist. The decay prevalence was 49.7% and was correlated to factors such as frequency of brushing, frequency of consultation, history family and parents' assistance. The DMFT index was 0.7. On 369 absent and filled decayed teeth, we counted only a single filled tooth that is 0,2% of teeth. CONCLUSION: In Ouidah's schools, tooth decay is a worrying pathology. The fillings are virtually nonexistent. To provide students a better oral hygiene and healthier teeth, an oral health education module in schools and the integration of oral systematic visits of student's examination at school is required.
