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Urvashi Sharma ¹, Namrata Gill ¹, Anubha Gulati ², Rosy Arora ¹, Ikreet Singh Bal ³, Archna Agnihotri ¹, Sidhi Passi ¹, Leena Verma ¹, Krishan Gauba ⁴

Affiliations
1 Department of Pedodontics, Dr. HSJ Institute of Dental Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, IN
2 Department of Oral Pathology, Dr. HSJ Institute of Dental Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, IN
3 Department of Public Health Dentistry, Dr. HSJ Institute of Dental Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, IN
4 Department of Pedodontics, Oral Health Sciences Center, PGIMER, Chandigarh, IN

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the oral health behavior, prevalence and pattern of dental caries in 11–16-year-old children of various socioeconomic strata in a north-western Indian city were determined. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 2294 children across two age groups— 11–13 and 14–16 years—using a WHO oral health questionnaire and a WHO oral health assessment form-2013 to record the oral health behavior and dental caries, respectively. The revised Kuppuswamy socioeconomic scale determined the socioeconomic status. Results: Dental caries was observed in 60% children of the upper socioeconomic strata (mean DMFT of 2.00 ± 2.35), 68% in the upper middle strata (mean DMFT 2.40 ± 2.54), 73.3% in the lower middle strata (mean DMFT 2.75 ± 2.81), and 83.7% in the lower strata (mean DMFT 3.93 ± 3.07). DMFT was significantly more (a) in girls than in boys and also (b) in the older 14–16-year age group compared to the 11–13-year age group. Conclusions: The study has shown a 73.2% prevalence of dental caries (mean DMFT 2.93 ± 2.86), an inverse correlation of caries with socioeconomic status, and higher DMFT in girls and in the older age group. Implementation of regular school dental health programs, promotion of healthy dietary habits, and a proactive regular involvement of parents, teachers, and community will promote good oral health.

Keywords

Behavior, Children, Dental Caries, Prevalence, Socioeconomic Status.

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Urvashi Sharma ¹, Namrata Gill ¹, Anubha Gulati ², Rosy Arora ¹, Archna Agnihotri ¹, Ikreet Singh Bal ³, Sidhi Passi ¹, Leena Verma ¹, Krishan Gauba ⁴

Affiliations
1 Department of Pedodontics, Dr. HSJ Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Panjab University, Sector 25, Chandigarh – 160014, IN
2 Department of Oral Pathology, Dr. HSJ Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Panjab University, Sector 25, Chandigarh – 160014, IN
3 Department of Public Health Dentistry, Dr. HSJ Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Panjab University, Sector 25, Chandigarh –160014, IN
4 Department of Pedodontics, Oral Health Sciences Centre, PGIMER, Chandigarh, IN

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the distribution of dental caries using the DMFT index (Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth) and Significant Caries Index (SiC) in 12-year old children of Chandigarh. To comparatively analyze the risk factors between the two groups - ‘SiC index group’ and ‘least DMFT group’ and to determine if the WHO Health goals have been achieved for the population. Methods: The examination for dental caries was done as per the WHO recommendations on 495 children. DMFT, SiC values and the oral health behaviours were recorded and the risk predictors for caries identified on logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of dental caries was 74.1%. The mean DMFT was 2.93 ± 2.57 (0-12) and the mean SiC was 5.76 ± 1.89 (4-12). The odds of being in the SiC group were lesser with ≥ once a day tooth cleaning (OR:0.644, CI:0.109 - 3.822, p-value 0.628) and higher with ≤ once a day sugar intake (OR:1.286; CI:0.782-2.115, p-value 0.322), ≤ once a day fruit intake (OR: 1.485; CI:0.820 - 2.691, p-value 0.192), in boys (OR:1.175;CI:0.748 - 1.847, p - value 0.484) and in the lower strata (OR:2.578; CI:1.187 - 5.598, p-value 0.017). Conclusion: The study confirmed an unequal distribution of dental caries and aims to focus on the more susceptible lower strata and reduction of the D component of DMFT. The WHO Health Goals for 2000 were achieved for the population, but the Goals for 2015 were yet to be met. The study also highlights the need to strive to attain the WHO Health Goals for 2020.

Keywords

Behaviour, Children, Dental Caries, Prevalence, Socioeconomic Status.

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