AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF DENTAL CARIES AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN

Abstract

Background: Dental caries is one of the most common preventable oral health problems affecting school children. It may 
cause pain, difficulty in eating, school absenteeism, reduced concentration, and impaired quality of life. Dietary habits, 
poor oral hygiene, irregular tooth brushing, and lack of preventive dental care contribute significantly to its occurrence. 
Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of dental caries and associated oral hygiene and dietary risk factors among school 
children. 
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 240 schoolchildren aged 6–12 years in 2017. 
Demographic details, oral hygiene practices, frequency of sweet consumption, rinsing habits after meals, and previous 
dental visits were recorded using a structured format. Oral examination was performed under adequate natural light using 
sterile instruments, and dental caries was assessed according to World Health Organization criteria. Data were analyzed 
using SPSS software version 20. The Chi-square test was used to assess associations between categorical variables, and 
a p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. 
Results: Out of 240 school children examined, 142 (59.2%) had dental caries. Dental caries was slightly more common 
among girls than boys and was highest in children aged 9–10 years. Daily consumption of sweets, brushing once daily or 
irregularly, failure to rinse the mouth after meals, and absence of a previous dental visit were significantly associated with 
dental caries. 
Conclusion: Dental caries was common among school children and showed significant association with modifiable 
dietary and oral hygiene factors. School-based oral health education, regular screening, promotion of twice-daily 
brushing, reduction in frequent sweet consumption, and timely referral for dental treatment may help reduce the burden 
of dental caries among children.