Epidemiological investigation of caries level in 2nd and 3rd grader primary school student

Abstract

Aims and Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the caries level among elementary school students in Balongsari's working area. Materials and Methods: This observational descriptive study was done to find out risk factors for caries in this population. Data were derived from the surveys on 2^nd and 3^rd graders among elementary students in Balongsari's working area. Through simple random sampling, six elementary schools were selected among 13 elementary schools. Among 1171 students, 110 students were recruited. There was a questionnaire for each student which was based on the World Health Organization standard. Data were collected from these students by interviewing them directly. Caries level was measured by Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth index which was an accumulation between Decayed, Missing, and Filled score and decayed, missing, and filled score. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 17. Results: The risk factors that could be associated with caries based on this survey are grades, knowledge of oral and dental health, toothache experience, frequency of toothbrushing, and participant visitation to oral and dental health facility or dentist. Conclusions: The risk factors that could be associated with caries based on our survey are grades, knowledge of oral and dental health, toothache experience, participant not satisfied with the appearance of his/her teeth, participant avoid smiling and laughing because of his/her teeth, and subject was made fun by his/her friends.