Dental Caries Status and Caries Risk Factors in Students Ages 12–14 Years in Zhejiang, China

Abstract

BackgroundAn accurate and valid caries prevention policy is absent in Zhejiang because of insufficient data. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate oral health status and related risk factors in 12- to 14-year-old students in Zhejiang, China.Material/MethodsUsing multi-stage, stratified, random sampling, we recruited a total of 4860 students aged 12 to 14 years old from 6 regions in Zhejiang in this cross-sectional study. Dental caries was measured using the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and the Significant Caries Index (SiC). Information concerning family background and relevant behaviors was collected in a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was used to study risk factors related to dental caries.ResultsThe overall prevalence of dental caries was 44% and the mean DMFT and SiC scores were 1.14 and 3.11, respectively. Female students had a higher level of dental caries than male students (P<0.01). The annual increase in caries prevalence was 3% with increasing age, and the DMFT score was 0.15. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that female sex, older age, snacks consumption once or more per day, fair or poor self-assessment of dental health, toothache experience, and dental visits were the most significant risk factors for dental caries, with odds ratios ranging from 1.24 to 2.25 (P<0.01).ConclusionsThe prevalence of dental caries in 12- to 14-year-old students in Zhejiang was low, with a tendency to increase compared with previous oral surveys. Female sex, older age, increased sugar intake, poor oral health self-assessment, and bad dental experience were the most important factors increasing dental caries risks.

Influence of life‐style factors, including second‐hand smoke, on dental caries among 3‐year‐old children in Wuxi, China

“…9 Besides, female gender, older age, increased sugar intake, poor oral health self-assessment and bad dental experience were also important factors increasing the risk of dental caries. 10,11 In this retrospective study, we aimed to examine the association of life-style factors, including second-hand smoke, with dental caries among 3-year-old children in Wuxi, China. Life-style factors [8][9][10][11] such as family background, oral health habits and feeding habits were taken into consideration.…”

“…10,11 In this retrospective study, we aimed to examine the association of life-style factors, including second-hand smoke, with dental caries among 3-year-old children in Wuxi, China. Life-style factors [8][9][10][11] such as family background, oral health habits and feeding habits were taken into consideration. We hope that the findings will help to facilitate the prevention of dental caries and health promotion among children.…”

“…Higher levels of parental education and household income decreased the prevalence of dental caries . Besides, female gender, older age, increased sugar intake, poor oral health self‐assessment and bad dental experience were also important factors increasing the risk of dental caries …”

The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Dental Caries of Permanent Teeth among 12-year-old Students in Guangdong, South China

“…The questionnaire 22 questions on family background: oral behaviour; knowledge, attitude, and dietary habits related to oral health; dental experience and self-assessment of general health and oral health. The items on the questionnaire have been described in detail elsewhere [10].…”

“…The trend of serious caries among rural residents became clear starting in the fourth national oral health epidemiological survey. Some epidemical data concerning factors related to dental caries in the population have been reported in other cities and provinces of China [10][11][12]. However, these studies may have been insufficient to support the findings due to their small sample sizes.…”