IADR Abstract Archives
Trends in Dental Caries Among Korean Young People: Based on the Data of Korea National Oral Health Survey From 2000 to 2012 Year
Objectives: National oral health data is required to assess oral health needs of the population, monitor oral health; plan effective intervention community programs and health policies; and evaluate the progress toward health objectives. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence, severity, and inequality in the distribution of dental caries in Korean young people.
Methods: An epidemiological survey was performed by trained, calibrated examiners carried out by the Korea Ministry of Health & Welfare in 2000, 2003, 2006, 2010 and 2012. Dental caries were assessed according to the World Health Organisation diagnostic criteria. Decayed, missing and filled surfaces and teeth (DMFS/DMFT) indexes were estimated.
Results: Using the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index, as the age increases, dental caries in Korean have been incresed. The DMFT index have decreased in all regions in the period between 2000 and 2012. The DMFT indexes for the 12-year-old children were 3.3 in 2000, 3.3 in 2003, 2.2 in 2006, 2.0 in 2010, 1.8 in 2012. The prevalence of caries was higher among females than in males. The prevalence of caries was higher in rural than urban areas.
Conclusions: Despite the observed decreasing trend of caries experience indicators in Korean, caries prevalence is still considerably higher than in other European countries. It is also considerably higher than the targets set by WHO within the Health21 policy framework. Therefore, this study assume that in Korea, where the caries prevalence is still relatively high, there still seems to be a potential for caries reduction. Community-based oral disease prevention programs are needed urgently for the promotion of oral health.
Methods: An epidemiological survey was performed by trained, calibrated examiners carried out by the Korea Ministry of Health & Welfare in 2000, 2003, 2006, 2010 and 2012. Dental caries were assessed according to the World Health Organisation diagnostic criteria. Decayed, missing and filled surfaces and teeth (DMFS/DMFT) indexes were estimated.
Results: Using the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index, as the age increases, dental caries in Korean have been incresed. The DMFT index have decreased in all regions in the period between 2000 and 2012. The DMFT indexes for the 12-year-old children were 3.3 in 2000, 3.3 in 2003, 2.2 in 2006, 2.0 in 2010, 1.8 in 2012. The prevalence of caries was higher among females than in males. The prevalence of caries was higher in rural than urban areas.
Conclusions: Despite the observed decreasing trend of caries experience indicators in Korean, caries prevalence is still considerably higher than in other European countries. It is also considerably higher than the targets set by WHO within the Health21 policy framework. Therefore, this study assume that in Korea, where the caries prevalence is still relatively high, there still seems to be a potential for caries reduction. Community-based oral disease prevention programs are needed urgently for the promotion of oral health.