Correlation between Adolescent’s Caries Prevalence and Caries Related Factors in Two Hungarian Cities

The aim of the study was to assess the caries prevalence and oral hygiene in groups of adolescents living in different Hungarian localities and to establish correlations with socio-economic factors. Examinations of caries and oral hygiene were performed in 586 14-16 year old children. The percentage of caries free children was 5.1%, the DMFT and DMFS values were 6.97±4.67 and 9.95±7.94 respectively. The VPI index was 41.6±32.7% (mean±S.D.), and showed positive correlation with the caries prevalence. The DMFT and DMFS values, as well as VPI decreased as the educational level of the father increased. The number of siblings had a worsening effect on DMFT, DMFS and VPI values. There was some relationship between the previous fluoride prophylaxis and decrease of DMF values, although the difference proved to be statistically non significant. These findings indicate the necessity of organized dental preventive measures.