Prevalence of dental caries among 13 and 15-year-old school children in an endemic fluorosis area: a cross-sectional study

J Contemp Dent Pract. 2011 Nov 1;12(6):447-50. doi: 10.5005/jp-journals-10024-1074.

Abstract

Aim: To assess the prevalence of dental caries and dental fluorosis among 13- to 15-year-old school children in Panyam, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Materials and methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted among 202 school children and were examined for dental fluorosis and dental caries.

Results: This study shows that male students have a decrease in DMFT (Decayed, missing, filled, teeth) index and increase in Dean's index when compared with females. Among students with 13 to 15 years of age, 13-year-old student has increase in DMFT score when compared with other age groups and 14-year-old students has increase in Dean's score when compared with other age group students.

Conclusion: The prevalence of dental caries decreased with the increase of fluorosis among the students examined.

Clinical significance: Patients with dental fluorosis show a decreased prevalence of dental caries.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Cariostatic Agents / analysis
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • DMF Index
  • Dental Caries / epidemiology*
  • Endemic Diseases*
  • Epidemiologic Studies
  • Female
  • Fluorides / analysis
  • Fluorosis, Dental / classification
  • Fluorosis, Dental / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • India / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Sex Factors
  • Water Supply / analysis

Substances

  • Cariostatic Agents
  • Fluorides