A study on the prevalence of dental caries among the school-going children in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Background: Dental caries is an important social problem in India and is predominantly a disease of childhood. The prevalence and incidence of dental caries is influenced by various socio–demographic factors like age, sex, ethnic groups, dietary patterns and oral hygiene habits. The objective of the study were to estimate the prevalence of dental caries among the school going children aged between 5–10 years and to determine the risk factors associated with dental caries.Methods: A population based cross–sectional study was conducted among the primary school going children in Thirumazhisai from February 2016 to July 2016. Simple random sampling technique was employed and 357 children were identified for the study. Descriptive statistics was calculated for background variables and association between the risk factors and evidence of dental caries was analyzed by tests of proportions and chi square test was used as a statistical test of significance. Results: The overall prevalence of dental caries was found to be 63.9%. Higher prevalence of dental caries was found among the girls (54%), among the lower socioeconomic class (41.7%), among those who consumed mixed diet (74.8%), among those who consumed junk foods (62.6%) at least once every day and among those who consumed dairy products (58.9%) at least once every day. Dental caries was found to be low in prevalence among those who consumed fruits several times a week (6.1%), among those who brushed their teeth twice/more than twice a day (20.2%) and among those who washed their mouth after each meal (38.7%). Conclusions: Lack of awareness, improper dietary habits and poor oral hygienic practices are seemingly the contributing factors for the development of dental caries. Dental caries is a preventable disease which can be alleviated by creating community awareness through health education activities.

Prevalence and determinants of dental caries among primary school children in urban area of Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu: a cross sectional study

“…Similarly, Gomathi et al, in their study reported slightly higher prevalence among girls (54%) than boys (46%). 2 Mulu et al in their study, found the prevalence of dental caries was higher among girls (24.4%) than that of boys (18.5%) while Khanal et al also observed higher prevalence among girls (62.7%) than that of boys (53.4%). 11,14 The higher dental caries prevalence among girls might be due to early eruption of teeth in girls and hence their teeth being exposed to caries prone environment for a longer duration when compared with boys.…”

“…1 years children found that the prevalence of dental caries was 65.88%. 2,7,10 Dental caries being a cumulative process showed high prevalence in children mainly due to accessibility to caries prone foods. The higher overall prevalence of caries status indicates continued negligence of oral health.…”

“…Dental caries is a global public health problem which affects individuals of all age groups especially children and contributes for their tooth loss if left untreated. 2 Dental caries is defined as a localized post eruptive, pathological process of external origin involving softening of the hard tooth tissue and proceeding to the formation of a cavity. 3 Dental caries is a preventable multi factorial disease caused mainly due to bacterial infection as a result of poor oral hygiene.…”

“…1,5 According to World Health Organization, dental caries stands third among chronic non communicable diseases with 60 to 90% prevalence among school going children. 1,2 Developing countries are at major risk of developing dental caries. 6 Indian trends shows increase in prevalence of dental caries over last five decades with prevalence of 50 to 60%.…”

“…School age is an influential stage during which every individual develops health related behaviors, beliefs and attitudes. 2 In general Children are easily accessible at school. Schools are the prime area for bringing the overall changes from where health messages can be transmitted through school children to their homes and neighbourhood.…”