Oral health status among a group of children attending preventive clinic in Dahmar University - Yemen

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Background: Dental caries and periodontal diseases are the most important etiological factors for tooth mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the oral health status among a group of children in Yemen.
Materials and methods: A sample of 122 children with age range 6-12 years attending the preventive clinic in Dahmar University in Yemen. Dental caries was estimated using the dmfs/DMFS indices following the WHO criteria.
Results: A high caries percentage (93.6%) was found. Caries experience of deciduous teeth was decreasing with age accompanied by increase among permanent teeth. Caries active males were higher than females. Most of the children had a mild gingivitis, which tended to increase with age. Severity of gingivitis was significantly higher among boys than girls.
Conclusion: The low caries percentage may need further investigation to study dietary habits and fluoride level in water.
Keywords: Dental caries, gingivitis, children. (J Bagh Coll Dentistry 2006; 18(1)76-79)