Assessment of Prevalence of Dental Caries and the Associated Factors Among Patients Attending Dental Clinic in a Known Area

Abstract

Background: This study was conducted for the Assessment of prevalence of dental caries and the associated factors among patients attending dental clinic in a known area.

Material and methods: In this study, overall 100 participants took part. The subjects who were unable to communicate were excluded from the study. A dentist performed the oral examination. During an oral examination, the respondents' hygienic conditions were observed. Data was gathered using an organized, pre-tested Amharic version of a questionnaire that was initially written in English. After a pre-test, the questionnaire was adjusted appropriately for the main study. Data collectors were chosen after consulting with their immediate supervisors and taking into account both their aptitude for building trusting relationships with clients and their accuracy in recording questionnaire replies

Results: In this study there were 35 females and 65 males. Most of the subjects belonged to the age group of 20-29 years. It was observed that out of 100 participants, dental caries was present in 84 subjects. 80 subjects had poor oral hygiene. 79 subjects did not follow the proper tooth brushing method for brushing teeth. Roughly 70% of the subjects brushed their teeth once in a day. It was also observed that the subjects residing in urban areas were more susceptible to dental caries (59%) as compared to the ones residing in rural areas (41%). 84 subjects out of 100 consumed diet rich in carbohydrates and low in fibre and they also consumed high amounts of sugars with their meals hence they were more susceptible to dental caries.

Conclusion: The prevalence of dental caries was high. The factors leading to this disease were poor oral hygiene, lack of using correct method for tooth brushing, high sugar intake and residency in urban areas.