Prevalence of dental caries among school children in Chennai

Background: Dental caries is highly prevalent and a significant public health problem among children throughout the world. The prevalence and incidence of dental caries in a population is influenced by a number of risk factor such as age, sex, socio-economic status, dietary patterns and hygienic habits. The main objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of dental caries among school children in Chennai. Aim and objectives: This study is to assess the prevalence of dental caries among 3-15 year old school children in Chennai. Methods: A dental screening camp conducted for 570 school children in Chennai. Results: The prevalence of dental caries was found higher among males. The mean decayed teeth were found to be higher in 3-5year old children when compared to 3 to 15 year old school children. Conclusion: In the present study, it was observed that approximately half of children are caries free. Still as public health people. It is important to maintain low prevalence of caries among children by increasing awareness and promoting oral health care strategies and we have to aim at achieving DMFT for all school going children.