Significant caries index values and related factors in 5-6-year-old children in Istanbul, Turkey

ABSTRACT

To evaluate significant caries [SiC] index values and related factors in Turkish children aged 5-6 years old, children from 5 nursery schools in Istanbul were included in a cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic information and data about oral care habits were obtained from the records and from parents. Of 542 students examined, the mean decayed/missing/filled primary teeth [dmft] index was 3.74 [SD 3.49] and the SiC index was 7.75 [SD 2.56]. About 76.8% of the children had experienced dental caries. Logistic regression analysis of the SiC index for dmft showed that risk factors for poor dental status were low mother's education [OR 2.04] and irregular toothbrushing versus once-a-day brushing [OR 4.09] or twice-a-day brushing [OR 4.20]