Caries experience among school children in Enugu, Nigeria. Okoye LO, Chukweneke FN, Akaji

Abstract

Aim: This study was carried out to assess dental caries in 12 – 15 year old children in Enugu, a major city in South-eastern Nigeria.
Methods: A multistage sampling technique was used to select 400 students from five secondary schools in Enugu. Questionnaires were administered by trained interviewers and participants were examined for dental caries using decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index according to the criteria laid down by the World Health Organization. The resultant data was analyzed using SPSS version 10.
Results: One hundred and sixty-nine (169) males (42.2%) and 231 females (57.8%) were studied, 15.5% has had dental caries. Mean DMF score was 0.16 ± 1.25. Decayed teeth accounted for the largest component (85.5%), while only 3% of the caries were filled. Prevalence of caries was higher in females (18.6%) than in males (11.2%). Percentage DMFT was found to increase with age. No significant association between caries and mother‘s educational level was noted. Most children (84.5%) had never visited the dentist.
Conclusion: Caries experience in Enugu is low. Untreated caries indicate the need for increase dental care and awareness through organized dental health education programmes in Enugu – Nigeria.

Keywords: Prevalence, Dental Caries, Children, Enugu.