Dental Health of 12-13-year-old Schoolchildren in Bashay District of Tanzania

Method: School children aged 12y and 13y were assessed.Dental caries scores (D₃MFT) were measured by two examiners following WHO criteria. Subjects were questioned regarding their oral hygiene habits, toothbrush type and previous visits to a dentist.

Result: 110 children (65 girls and 45 boys) were examined and 10.9% had caries and the mean D3MFT score for the group was 0.2. No teeth had been extracted or filled. All children brushed at least once per day, 54% using a miswak stick. No difference in caries scores was found between subjects using a toothbrush or a miswak stick. Only 2 children had previously visited a dentist. Clinical appearance of the teeth of many children suggested a high prevalence of fluorosis but fluoride levels of drinking water were not available.

Conclusion: Prevalence of caries was low in the rural area of Bashay. The fluoride levesl of drinking water require investigation. Increased sales and consumption of sugar-containing drinks in the rural areas of Tanzania are occurring and could lead to increased caries rates. There is a clear need to inform people of the effects of greater sugar consumption on dental health, as is already being noted in the urban comunities of Tanzania.