Caries experience of 8-year-old Nigerian schoolchildren

Abstract An epidemiologic study was carried out between April 1981 and March 1982 to determine the total caries experience of 8-yr-old Nigerian children in both the private and the government schools in Lagos. A total of 860 children were examined for the study. 451 were from free, non-fee paying government schools while 409 were from the fee-paying private schools. 50.1% were boys and 49.9% were girls. The mean dmf score for private schoolchildren is 1.5 and that of the government schoolchildren is 1.1. This difference is statistically significant (P < 0.001). The mean dmf score for the whole sample is 1.3. The mean DMF for the private schoolchildren is 0.55 while that of the government schoolchildren is 0.24. This difference is statistically significant (P < 0.001). The mean DMF for all the children examined is 0.4. The mean dmf score for boys (1.3) is slightly higher than that the mean dmf score for girls (1.2), while the mean DMF score for girls (0.5) is higher than that for boys (0.4). These sex differences are though to be due to slight differences in the eruption times. There is no difference between the sexes in the proportion of children who are caries-free (52.9% boys and 52% girls). Some 46% of the private schoolchildren were caries-free compared with 58.3% of those in the government schools. This difference is statistically significant (P < 0.001). This difference is thought to be due to the greater consumption of refined carbohydrates by the private schoolchildren, who come from the higher socioeconomic strata of the community. The overall sample showed that 52.4% of all the 8-yr-old children examined were free of dental caries.     

Effect evaluation of an oral health education programme in primary schools in Tanzania

Abstract This study aimed to assess the clinical oral health outcome effects among schoolchildren participating in a school-based oral health education (OHE) programme. Local social, cultural and environmental conditions were determinants of the school-based OHE programme, which was compiled on the basis of prevailing beliefs and on what teachers and educational authorities considered to be important for the oral health of schoolchildren. Consequently, the practical aspects of oral hygiene and information on the cause and prevention of caries and gingivitis were the components of oral health education. The teachers were prepared to carry out weekly supervised toothbrushing sessions and monthly lessons on aspects of oral health for the school year in grade 4. Eight participating schools were selected for the clinical effect evaluation and four non-participating schools served as the control. In total, 309 children from the participating schools and 122 children from the non-participating schools were available for the evaluation. Their ages varied between 9 and 14 years. The mean plaque score, calculus score and gingival bleeding score at baseline and at follow-up examinations 3, 8, 15 and 36 months later were not significantly different for participating schools and controls. The mean DMFT value at baseline was 0.4 and 3 years later 0.9 in both the participating and control schools. In conclusion, the present study shows that the implemented school-based OHE programme did not result in significant reductions of the clinical parameters measured.     

Dental health in Icelandic urban children aged 11 and 12 years

Abstract A total of 1370 children were examined for caries, gingivitis, periodontal pocketing, calculus and loss of marginal alveolar bone. The mean DFT and DPS scores were 6.2 and 8.7 for 11-yr-old children and 8.2 and 12.1 for 12-yr-olds. The average number of initial caries lesions was 12.4 among 11-yr-olds and 15.7 among 12-yr-olds. The proximal and smooth surfaces accounted for 37% of the total DPS score in the 11-yr-old children and 43% in the 12-yr-olds. The median DPS score for the 11-yr-old boys and girls was 7, while for the 12-yr-old boys it was 9 and for the girls 11. Only 1.8% of the children were free from caries. The occurrence of gingivitis, expressed by GBI, was 20 in both age groups. 8% of the children showed no advanced gingival inflammation, while less than 1 % had bleeding gingivitis at all examined surfaces. Supragingival calculus was found in 10% of the children. Neither periodontal pocketing nor loss of marginal alveolar bone was observed.     

Oral health status among teenage schoolchildren in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

In the developing countries, the main dental problem has traditionally been periodontal disease, but recently dental caries has been reported to be increasing. There are some findings showing the same pattern in Tanzania. The aim of the present study was to explore the prevalence of caries and the periodontal status among schoolchildren in Dar es Salaam. The series consisted of pupils of classes 6 and 7 in five primary schools (n = 640, ages 12-18 yr). Two-thirds of the children examined were caries-free. Boys had significantly lower DMF scores than girls, 0.7 and 1.2, respectively. Almost all the children showed early signs of gingivitis and assessment by the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) showed that in over 50% all sextants of the mouth were affected. In the older age group (15-18 yr) girls had a significantly higher number of periodontally healthy sextants than boys. The results confirm the high prevalence of periodontal problems but show a very low prevalence of caries. Thus, there are no signs of an alarming caries problem in Dar es Salaam, but oral hygiene education should be promoted.     

Dental anxiety in children and its relationship to dental caries and gingival condition

The aim of this study was to determine the levels of dental anxiety, dental caries and gingivitis among 12–15‐year‐old schoolchildren, in Irbid Governorate/northern Jordan, and to evaluate the correlation between these variables. Two schools were selected by a simple random method from each of the five geographic areas in Irbid Governorate. All children (1021), from the 10 selected schools, who participated in this study completed a questionnaire modified from Kleinknecht's Dental Fear Survey (DFS questionnaire). Children underwent oral examination for dental caries and gingival condition, using Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) Index and Löe and Silness Gingival Index (GI), respectively. Results of this survey showed that the prevalence of low to moderate ‘general dental fear’ among the study population was 43% while that of ‘high dental fear’ was 10%. The self‐reported ‘general fear of dental treatment’ was higher among girls than boys. Fear of specific stimuli (pain) was the most common source of dental fear. The sight and sensation of the anaesthetic needle and the sight, sound and sensation of the drill were rated the most fear‐eliciting stimuli. The mean DMFT (2.89) and GI (1.80) of boys was not significantly different from the DMFT (3.37) and GI (1.53) of girls (P > 0.05). Spearman's correlation test demonstrated no association between ‘general dental fear’ and dental caries (r = 0.06) or gingivitis (r = 0.007).     

Supervised toothbrushing and oral health education program in Kuwait for children and young adults with Down syndrome

The authors report on the effectiveness of a school-based, supervised toothbrushing program among a group of 112 children with Down syndrome in Kuwait. The study involved 45 boys and 67 girls, who ranged in age from 11–22 years (mean, 14.8 years). The participants had moderate mental retardation and attended one of two special needs schools. Plaque was scored according to the Silness and Loe plaque index and gingivitis according to the Loe and Silness gingival index. Supervised toothbrushing and dental health education sessions were conducted twice a week. The program was evaluated at the end of three months. The mean plaque score decreased from 1.93 to 0.95 (p < 0.001), and the mean gingival score from 2.00 to 0.83 (p < 0.001). This three-month supervised toothbrushing program was effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis scores, but the key to long-term success of the program is sustaining the children's motivation to make oral hygiene a part of their daily life.     

Dental Caries and Sealant Prevalences in Schoolchildren in Tennessee

This article presents findings on the prevalence of dental caries and dental sealants from the 1988 oral health survey of schoolchildren in Tennessee. The purpose of the study was to describe the prevalence of dental caries, dental sealants, and periodontal disease, as well as the need for restorative, exodontia, and periodontal treatment among schoolchildren. A multistage probability sample was designed to represent 927,000 children enrolled in grades K-12 in public and private schools across the state. Analyses of the data collected from the examination of 2,588 children aged 5-17 revealed that 55 percent were caries free in their permanent dentition and that the mean DMFS score was 2.86. For those aged 5-9, the mean dfs score was estimated to be 5.52. Only 10 percent of schoolchildren in Tennessee had dental sealants on their teeth. Comparisons of the results of this survey with those reported from earlier state surveys indicated that caries levels have declined steadily. We assumed that the reduction in caries experience observed in Tennessee is the result of widespread exposure of children to systemic and topical fluorides. Further reduction in caries experience is possible with continued fluoridation of community water supplies, in conjunction with increased utilization of pit and fissure sealants.     

Periodontal disease prevalence and dental needs among schoolchildren in Saudi Arabia

Abstract The study population consisted of 1174 intermediate Saudi schoolchildren; 601 girls and 573 boys, aged 13, 14 and 15 years. Periodontal disease was assessed by the method recommended by WHO and data were computerized by using IBM 3033, SAS package. Boys had significantly higher debris, calculus deposits and intense gingivitis counts than girls by sex and age. But for advanced periodontal involvement, the result shows no significant differences by sex and age. There was a position correlation between debris, calculus and periodontal diseases There was a highly significant difference between girls and boys. The results of this study suggest the need for an oral health program for the entire community.     

Prevalence of dental caries and gingivitis in a population of Mexican schoolchildren

Abstract – The prevalence of dental caries and gingivitis was assessed in schoolchildren of the Tlalpan region in Mexico City. A total of 700 children (age range: 11–17 yr) of both sexes were examined. The sample population included children attending the Middle-School System, where two shifts are run (A.M. and P.M.). Decayed, missing and filled surfaces (DMFS), and Gingival Index (GI) were recorded for all existing teeth. Analysis of the data showed that mean DMFS scores increased with chronological age in both genders, were higher in the P.M. session, and more elevated in females. Similarly the mean GI scores also increased with age, and were higher in the P.M. session. In contrast to the DMFS scores, males presented higher GI scores than females at all age intervals. The results of our study indicated a distinctively high prevalence of caries and gingivitis in Mexican schoolchildren.     

Oral hygiene, gingivitis and periodontal status of Libyan school children.

There is relatively little information about the dental health of Libyan children, so this study was initiated to assess the level of oral hygiene and the gingival and periodontal status in children living in urban and rural parts of Libya. Two thousands and fifteen children aged 7-16 years were examined during 1987 using World Health Organization criteria. The oral hygiene was found to be good (mean oral hygiene index = 0.12); boys demonstrated significantly worse oral hygiene than girls (P less than 0.001). Overall, gingival inflammation was categorised as mild (mean gingival index = 0.05). Boys had more gingivitis than girls (P less than 0.001). Periodontal pockets of more than 3.5 mm were found in 4.1 per cent of 15-16-year-old children.     

Dental caries prevalence and CPITN of 12-year-old rural schoolchildren in Transkei

The study investigated the prevalence and pattern of caries with particular reference to tooth and surface type and the CPITN of 12-y-old rural schoolchildren in Engcobo, Transkei. 349 schoolchildren, with a 4:6 male:female ratio were examined. The fluoride content of the water varied from 0-0.5 p.p.m. The results indicate that caries levels are low--47 per cent of the sample was caries-free. Both the median DMFT and DMFS was 1.0 (with a mean 1.7 and 2.8). The D component comprised 89 per cent, the M-10 and F-1 per cent of the total DMFT. Amongst boys, caries was distributed almost equally between the maxillary (112) and mandibular (114) arches whereas for girls more teeth were affected in the mandibular arch. Molar teeth in boys and girls accounted for 90 per cent of all teeth affected with the first molars accounting for 50 per cent and the second molars 40 per cent. In the maxillary and mandibular arch for the total group, a greater number of first molars were affected than the second molars. For girls in both the maxilla and mandible, the second molars were affected more frequently than the first molars. Overall the occlusal surfaces were affected most frequently followed by the buccal, distal, lingual and mesial. Gingival bleeding and calculus were prevalent in most sextants. Less than 6 per cent of the total subjects had no periodontal disease. Calculus was found in over 70 per cent of the children. The vast majority of the sample (94 per cent) needed oral hygiene instruction.     

Traumatic dental injuries in schollchildren from Santo Domingo

The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze, by age and sex, 1) the prevalence of traumatic injuries to permanent incisors and canines, and 2) their distribution according to type in schoolchildren from the city of Santo Domingo, in the Southern part of the Dominican Republic, which is located in the Caribbean Archipelago. The sample consisted of 1200 children aged 6-17 yr enrolled in eight public and private schools. Garcia-Godoy's classification for traumatic injuries was used. The prevalence of injuries was 12.2% (13.1% in boys and 11.2% in girls). The largest number of injuries was presented by the 14-yr-old children (17.4%) followed by the 13- and 12-yr-olds (15.7% and 11.7%, respectively). More boys injured their teeth than girls (not significantly) with a boy-to-girl ratio of 1.1:1. The most common type of injury in both sexes was enamel-dentin fracture, followed by enamel fracture.     

Juvenile periodontitis – pattern of progression and relationship to clinical periodontal parameters

Abstract – The present investigation was carried out 1) to identify subjects with juvenile periodontitis (JP) in a group of schoolchildren from a community with a high prevalence of periodontal diseases and with no access to preventive dental care, and 2) to study the clinical features of the disease and the progression pattern during a period of 1 yr, and the relationship of JP to clinical periodontal parameters. The periodontal condition of a group of 502 Iraqi schoolchildren (260 girls and 242 boys) was assessed radiographically and clinically at baseline. Children showing 3 mm arc-shaped angular radiographic bone loss at the proximal surfaces of two or more first molars and who showed clinical attachment loss at the same sites were regarded as JP patients. A second group of children with no signs of JP were randomly chosen from the study material. One year later, the JP and the non-JP groups were re-examined radiographically and clinically to assess plaque, gingivitis and presence of calculus. The results showed that nine children (1.8%) had JP. The ratio of girls to boys was 3.5:1, and of localized to generalized forms 2:1. Mesial surfaces of first molars were more often affected than distal surfaces. Clinical assessments showed a more profound loss than was depicted radiographically. All JP patients exhibited evidence of periodontal disease progression during the following year. There were no differences between JP and non-JP children with respect to gingival inflammation, dental plaque, or calculus deposits on teeth. It was concluded that the present findings are consistent with the view that plaque and plaque-retaining factors may predispose to the high rate of periodontal support loss usually seen in JP patients.     

Oral cleanliness of 12-13-year-old and 15-year-old school children of Sunsari District, Nepal

The aim of the study was to evaluate the oral cleanliness of school children in the District of Sunsari, Nepal. A multi-stage random sampling oral epidemiological survey was conducted in private and government, urban, rural town and rural village schools in 15 illakas of Sunsari District, Eastern Nepal. A total of 600, 12-13-year-old and 600 15-year-old school children were examined by trained examiners using the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S). The average age-group, debris and calculus index scores were combined to obtain the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S). The mean OHI-S scores were compared and evaluated using the parametric t-test for two independent samples. The mean OHI-S for urban 12-13-year-old school children was 0.98 compared to 1.34 for school children of rural towns and 1.44 for school children of rural villages and these differences in mean OHI-S were statistically significant (P < 0.005). In the 15-year-old age group, urban school children had a mean OHI-S score of 1.00 compared to 1.37 for rural towns and 1.43 for rural villages. The variance in the mean OHI-S scores were statistically significant (P < 0.005). The overall level of cleanliness in the school children surveyed was good. Children of urban schools had the lowest scores followed by school children from rural towns and then rural villages. When the mean OHI-S scores were compared with the DMFT scores, there was an inverse relationship between oral cleanliness and dental caries. Frequency of sugar consumption and the availability and affordability of fluoridated toothpaste may be important factors in the development of dental caries than oral cleanliness.     

Periodontal conditions in a Swedish city population of adolescents: a cross-sectional study

The aim of this epidemiological survey was to analyze the periodontal conditions of 19-year old individuals in an urban area of Sweden, with special reference to gender and socioeconomic factors. A randomized sample of 272 individuals living in G?teborg, Sweden, was clinically examined with regard to oral hygiene, gingivitis, periodontal pockets, probing attachment loss (PAL) and gingival recession. Bitewing radiographs were used for assessments of alveolar bone level (ABL) and dental calculus. A questionnaire-based interview regarding oral hygiene habits was included. Data were analyzed with regard to differences between gender and socioeconomic grouping. The subjects showed a mean plaque score of 59% and a gingivitis score of 44%. 70% of the adolescents had a plaque score of > or = 50%, whereas corresponding figure for gingivitis was 37%. 27% of the subjects had at least one tooth with gingival recession. The mean prevalence of sites with probing depth of > or = 6 mm was 0.5, and the prevalence of PAL > or = 2 mm was 0.7. A radiographic bone level of > or = 2 mm was observed at on average 0.8 teeth per subject. Females had significantly less plaque and gingivitis than males and significantly higher number of teeth with gingival recession. There were no clinically significant differences in periodontal conditions between socioeconomic groups. In conclusion,the survey revealed higher prevalence of plaque and gingivitis among male than female adolescents but no differences between socioeconomic groups.     

Traumatic dental injuries in a sample of Dominican schoolchildren

Abstract The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze 1) the prevalence of traumatic injuries to permanent incisors and canines, 2) their distribution according to type, 3) etiology, 4) place of occurrence, and 5) location of trauma, in a population sample of schoolchildren from the Dominican Republic, located in the Caribbean Archipelago. The sample consisted of 596 children aged 7–14 years enrolled in 21 public and private schools from the city of San Pedro de Macoris, in the southeastern part of the country. This sample represents 10.8% of the schoolchildren of the city. The prevalence of injuries was 18.1 % (17.4% in boys and 18.8% in girls). The largest number of injuries was found in the 14-year-old children followed by the 12-year-olds. Significantly, girls had a larger number of actual teeth injured than boys (P < 0.05). The most common type of injury in both sexes was the enamel fracture (51.1%) followed by concussions (25.6%). Significantly, more girls suffered concussions than boys (P < 0.05). The most common cause of injury in both sexes was falling against an object (60.0% in boys and 42.6% in girls). The most frequent place of occurrence of trauma, in both sexes, was at home (34.1 %), followed by outside of home (19.3%) and at school (12.5%). The teeth most commonly injured were the maxillary central incisors (63.9%). Girls presented significantly more mandibular lateral incisors injured than boys (P < 0.02).     

Oral hygiene practices and periodontal health in primary school children in Nairobi, Kenya.

The purpose of this study was to obtain data on the oral hygiene practices, oral hygiene status, and periodontal health among primary school children in Nairobi. The study group consisted of 513 children, 262 aged 6-8 years and 251 aged 13-15 years. The children were from 6 schools randomly selected among the 154 public primary schools in the city. The clinical examination was performed in a room with natural daylight, using the WHO (1980) criteria. Although most of the children reported brushing habits, 75% of the index tooth surfaces in the younger and 55% in the older age group had visible plaque. In both age groups about 25% of the index sites had gingivitis. Moderate amounts of calculus were recorded among the older children. Only two children had periodontal pockets greater than or equal to 4 mm. There was no statistically significant difference (p greater than 0.05) between males and females recorded with plaque and gingivitis in the younger age group. In the older group, however, a significantly higher proportion of males (p less than 0.05) were recorded with plaque and gingivitis. The oral hygiene practices and oral hygiene status were poorer among children from low than from high socioeconomic status. Provision of dental health education for children in Nairobi is recommended.     

Dental caries, fluoride levels and oral hygiene practices of school children in Matebeleland South, Zimbabwe

Abstract 1386, 5–6-yr-old and 1326, 12-yr-old schoolchildren in the mainly rural province of Matabeleland South, in Zimbabwe, were examined for dental caries and interviewed about their oral hygiene practices. Fluoride contents of the drinking water source of the schools were determined and were found to be in the range 0.05–2.5 ppm. Among 5–6-yr-old children, 25.2% were affected with caries and the mean dent score was 0.6 whereas 19.8% of the 12-yr-old children had caries, and the mean DMFT score was 0.3. In both age groups low fluoride levels in drinking water (<0.8 ppm) were associated with higher prevalence of caries (5–6-yr-olds: OR 2.47: 12-yr-olds: OR 2.09). Chewing sticks were the most commonly applied oral hygiene practice. Children who reported using chewing slicks had fewer carious lesions than children who reported the use of toothbrush and toothpaste.     

An epidemiologic study of dental space anomalies in Icelandic schoolchildren

This study was performed mainly to determine the prevalence of space anomalies with regard to the various stages of dental development in Icelandic schoolchildren. The sample consisted of 1,641 randomly selected children (791 boys and 850 girls), making up 9.5% of the children attending all primary and secondary schools in Reykjavík during the school year 1972--73. In most of the frequencies of the different space anomalies boys showed a higher prevalence than girls. In both sexes there was often a significant difference from one stage of dental development to another. The results were compared with those reported for other ethnic groups.     

Oral hygiene and toothbrushing habits of 12-year-old children in Hong Kong

Randomly selected groups of 486 Southern Chinese and 129 non-Chinese 12-yr-old Hong Kong children were examined for calculus and oral debris. The non-Chinese children had less plaque and calculus than the Chinese children (P less than 0.001). The girls had lower plaque scores than the boys in both ethnic groups. The higher frequency of toothbrushing by the girls possibly reflects their greater awareness of personal appearance. There is a need to increase the standard of oral hygiene and the level of dental awareness amongst Chinese children living in Hong Kong.