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Journal of Medical Sciences

Year: 2007 | Volume: 7 | Issue: 1 | Page No.: 116-120
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Authors

Mehdi Ghandehari Motlagh

Gholam Reza Jahed Khaniki

Houshang Adiban

Keywords

Research Article

Investigation of Dental Caries Prevalence among 6-12 year old Elementary School Children in Andimeshk, Iran

Mehdi Ghandehari Motlagh, Gholam Reza Jahed Khaniki and Houshang Adiban
The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and severity of dental caries in 6-12 year old elementary school children in Andimeshk and investigate its relation with socio demographic characteristics and use of dental services. This cross-sectional study used the standard dental indices dmft and DMFT for oral health assessment. This study was carried out in 2005 on 410, 6-12 year old elementary school children, which were randomly selected in Andimeshk, Iran. Clinical examinations for caries were conducted by a single examiner using World Health Organization criteria. A questionnaire was designed to record the status of the teeth along with the occupational and educational levels of parents. Data was analyzed using SPSS software, the Chi-square test andanalysis of variance (ANOVA). Results showed the mean dmft and DMFT scores were 2.62±1.62 and 1.18±0.97, respectively. Also, 18.8 and 43.2% of the students were caries-free, respectively. There were significant differences between the dmft and DMFT with age. The highest dmft values belong to parents under diploma and diploma education. Also, the highest DMFT values are for parents with under diploma education. Tooth brushing frequency was observed 283 (69%). Children who visit the dentist have a less dmft and DMFT (0.73 and 2.77, respectively) than others. 98.5% of students have healthy teeth. No bleeding and no pocket (4-5 mm) were observed in gums. It was concluded that the present study findings for dmft and DMFT scores in 6-12 year old elementary school children are lesser than global standards according to the World Health Organization (WHO). There was an association between brushing, visit to the dentist, parent`s occupation and education and dental caries. This subject suggests health education programs and suitable treatments should be emphasized in elementary school aged children.
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