Prevalence of Dental Caries Among Chennai Population

The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of dental caries among people in chennai. A descriptive cross-sectional study was planned to assess the status and prevalence of dental caries. A total of 200 patients will be examined, among age group between 20-50 years .Hence, the present study is undertaken to assess the dental caries prevalence among the chennai populations. There is a need of continuous monitoring and implementing preventive and restorative programs regarding dental caries. Hence forth, this survey has been undertaken. INTRODUCTION : Dental caries is the major oral health condition in developing countries, affecting 60-90% of the school children and the vast majority of adults. In India, the prevalence of dental caries is reported to be 50-60%. [4] Most of the Indian studies that have been published focused on school children [5],[6],[7],[8],[9],[10],[11] and only a few studies have been done among adults. [12],[13] The World Health Organization recommends basic oral health surveys in five selected age-groups (i.e., 5 years, 12 years, 17-18 years, 3544 years, and 65-74 years) [14] in order to estimate the magnitude of the problem and to plan intervention activities. Therefore, keeping in mind the paucity of literature on dental problems in adults and the public health importance of dental caries, this study was planned to provide some information on the oral health needs of the adult population .[15] Despite great successes in improving the oral health of populations globally, problems still remain in many communities around the world, particularly among the underprivileged groups in developing countries. Dental caries and periodontal diseases have historically been considered an important component of the global disease burden. Both can be effectively prevented and controlled through a combination of community, professional, and individual actions. Early detection of disease is, in most cases, crucial to control of the oral condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out in the saveetha dental college among the outpatients of different age groups and gender. The study was conducted among 200 patients. All the data was compiled and subjected . A pre-tested questionnaire [15] consisting of questions on personal details, oral hygiene practices, dental problems, and care-seeking behavior was used in the survey. Based on the patients knowledge and awareness regarding dental caries and oral hygiene , the study was carried out. RESULT: AGE DISTRIBUTION OF STUDY PARTICIPANTS : (TABLE 1) Age –group No.of individuals with dental caries(%) No. of individuals without dental caries(%) Total(%) 5-15 4(40) 6(60) 10(8.3) 16-25 19(39.5) 29(60.4) 48(40) 26-35 26(44.8) 32(55.1) 58(48.3) 36-45 33(63.4) 19(36.5) 5243.3) 46-55 4(28.5) 10(71.4) 14(11.6) 56-65 3(27.2) 8(72.7) 11(9.1) 66-75 3(50) 3(50) 6(5) SEX DISTRIBUTION OF STUDY PARTICIPANTS : TABLE 2 Gender No.of individuals with dental caries(%) No. of individuals without dental caries(%) Total Male 36(41.8) 50(58.1) 86(71.6) Female 56(49.1) 58(50.8) 114(6.4) Total 92(46) 108(54) 200(100) STUDY DISTRIBUTION BASED ON OCCUPATION : (TABLE 3) Occupation No.of individuals with dental caries(%) No. of individuals without dental caries(%) Total Professional 23(47.9) 25(52.08) 48(52.3) NonProfessional 30(44.1) 38(55.8) 68(34) Others 39(46.4) 45(53.5) 84(42) Total 92(46) 108(54) 200(100) STUDY DISTRIBUTION BASED ON RESTORATION: (TABLE 4) No.of individuals with restoration (%) No. of individuals without restoration (%) (%) Total (%) 72 36 128 64 200 100 E.Shubha Poorani et al /J. Pharm. Sci. & Res. Vol. 7(10), 2015, 895-896