Effect of Various Indicators on Caries Experience among 12-year-old School Going Children of Kottayam City
Abstract
Background: The multifactorial etiology of dental caries nowadays is relatively understood. However, the changing trends in the prevalence of dental caries need continuous understanding and investigation. Thus, the review of the past and prediction of the future is the need of the hour. Objectives: The objective of the present study was to expand the information with regard to children’s oral health by evaluating the experience, the prevalence, and severity of dental caries in private and public school going children of Kottayam City, Kerala and to investigate the relationship between caries experience and various risk indicators. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 12year-old children (n = 400) were selected from eight schools in two different areas of Kottayam City using stratified random sampling participants dental status was evaluated using the 1997 World Health Organization caries diagnostic criteria for decayed, missing, or filled teeth (DMFT). Demographic data and information concerning dental attendance pattern and brushing frequency were collected in prepared format. Chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis were used for the statistical analysis. Results: The total number of children in the sample was 400, comprising 188 (52.4%) females and 212 (47.6%) males. The mean DMFT, decayed, missed, or filled surfaces, and significant caries index being 1.49, 2.52, and 3.51, respectively, and the prevalence of caries-free children was 44.7%. Significantly high mean DMFT was found in males (P = 0.011). Private school going children (P = 0.012) and children with irregular dental care (P = 0.001). The public schools (odds ratio [OR] = 0.60 [0.40-0.89]) and regular dental care (OR = 0.54 [0.35-0.84]) was having a protective effect on the caries experience of children. Conclusion: Though the caries experience was moderate, it was influenced by demographic factors such as gender and school, as well as such socio-behavioral variables and dental care.
