Abstract

PREVALENCE OF DENTAL CARIES AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS IN IRAQ SCHOOLAGED CHILDREN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

*Ahmed B. AL-Rawe

Abstract

Background: Dental problems are still common during childhood despite the general improvement in children’s oral health over the past 50 years. The prevalence rate of dental caries in school-age children needs to be assessed in Baghdad province and risk factors associated with poor oral health needs to be identified. The aim of the study: To study the prevalence rate of dental caries in a sample of Iraqi schoolage children and to study its association with oral health habits and sociodemographic characteristics. Patients and method: crosssectional studies involved 243 school age (7-10 years) children. The study lasted for approximately 2 years and accomplished in several primary schools in Bagdad province. Dental status was assessed using the DMFT scoring system. Results: Conclusion: the prevalence rate of dental caries is relatively high and it is significantly associated with poor maternal education and irregular teeth brushing.

Keywords: Dental carries, school-age children, Iraq.