Objectives: The objectives of this study were to provide a reliable estimate of caries prevalence and to ascertain caries risk factors in primary school children in non-fluoridated Lithgow.
Materials and Methods: Children aged 5 to 13 years (n=667) were examined for caries experience according to the WHO diagnostic criteria. Information on dental practices, diet, residential movements and socio-economic status were obtained via questionnaire completions.
Results: Primary dentition caries estimates (dmft, dmfs and SiC) at age 6 years in Lithgow children were 1.11, 1.88 and 3.37, respectively. An increased risk of caries experience in the primary incisors was associated with occupation of male parent. Caries experience in the primary canines and molars was partly explained by frequency of chocolate consumption, number of parental tooth extractions, and the occupation of the male parent. Caries experience (DMFT and SiC) estimates at age 12 were 0.52 and 1.52, respectively. Caries risk in the permanent first molars was associated with the occupation of the male parent, frequency of fruit consumption, and toothbrushing habit.
Conclusion: Dental caries experience in Lithgow was found to be higher than reported in the Blue Mountains, fluoridated in 1993. Water fluoridation should be implemented in Lithgow to reduce (1) dental caries incidence, and (2) socio-economic inequalities in oral health.
Acknowledgement: Funding grant from NSW Health Centre for Oral Health Strategy.