Determinants of Dental Caries in Primary School Going Children of Multan

Abstract

Background: Dental caries is considered most common chronic childhood disease globally. Risk factors, for example, behavior, life style, social status, eating habits, hygiene and socio-demographic factors contribute to caries development. Daily activities are affected by oral diseases, among these activities; decreased performance and increased absenteeism in schools are most common. Aim: To assess the determinants of dental caries among primary school going children of Multan. Method: A cross-section study was conducted in Multan during November, 2015 in which 152 primary school children of Govt. Primary School Kotla Noor Shah, Muzaffarabad, Multan were included. Results: Out of 152 primary school children, 73% were male and 35.5% were aged 9-10 years. A large number (89.5%) of children brushed their teeth regularly. 98% children cleaned their teeth with toothpaste. 82.9% consumed sweet and toffees. 87.5% children had no gingivitis and 88.2% had no calculus deposits. Major proportion (91.4%) of children had no bleeding gums. Oral hygiene was observed satisfactory in 84.9% children. Among 136 children who brushed their teeth regularly, 84 had dental caries and among 126 children who used sweet and toffees, 84 had dental caries. Conclusion: Among children overall hygiene was found satisfactory. Dental caries was prevalent among 61.8% children. Majority of children who used sweet and toffees had dental caries.