Caries Occurrence among 12-year-old Urban Children in Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

Objectives: The aims of this study were to describe the occurrence of dental caries among 12-year-old schoolchildren in Kinondoni district, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and to determine whether DMFT-score was associated with oral hygiene habits, knowledge of oral health-related questions, consumption of items containing sugar or occupation of the family. Study participants and methods: The study sample consisted of 12-year-old schoolchildren (n=182) from two primary schools in Kinondoni district. Oral health status of all participants was determined by visual examination. Of the children, 90 filled out a questionnaire on oral health habits and knowledge. The remaining participants were interviewed by asking them the same questions. Results were analyzed by cross-tabulations. Statistical significances were evaluated by Chi-square tests. Results: The mean DMFT-score was 0.24 (SD 0.61). Only 3.8% of the subjects had two or more carious teeth. No significant differences in DMFT-score were found between the groups. Girls (96.8%) more often than boys (87.4%) reported brushing their teeth at least daily. Children of parent with high occupation less often reported brushing their teeth daily (87%) compared to children of parents with low (98%) and middle (97.5%) occupation. Of these, 77-98% had satisfactory oral health-related knowledge even though only 42% reported that they had received oral health education. Oral hygiene habits or knowledge, consumption of items containing sugar and occupation of the parents were not associated with caries experience. Conclusion: Despite that caries occurrence among 12-year-old schoolchildren in Kinondoni district, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania was low and not associated with oral hygiene habits, knowledge, consumption of items containing sugar or occupation of their parents, there is need to pay attention to the oral health habits of the children and guiding their awareness for reinforcing positive oral health practices and behaviors with active parent/guardian support.

Keywords:caries, children, oral habits, knowledge, occupation

Tanzania Dental Journal Vol. 14 (2) 2007: pp. 40-47