Dental caries and periodontitis among Libyan adults : a pilot study

Objectives: to assess dental caries experience and periodontal treatment need among a group of Libyan adults who visited one centre of public health services in Benghazi.

Methods: A convenience sample of dental patients who aged between 24 and 50 years and signed a consent to take part in the study were recruited. Demographic information, oral hygiene and dietary habits, and dental history data were collected using a pre-designed questionnaire. Clinical examination was performed in the dental clinic. WHO indices for dental caries (DMFT) and periodontal treatment needs (CPITN) were obtained. Data was analysed using SPSS software. Univariate and bivariate statistical analysis were conducted at p≤0.05.
Results: A total of 55 participants were recruited for this study, the majority were females (61%).
A small proportion of the participants were categorised as requiring surgical periodontal therapy (21%) whereas the majority need professional scaling (73%). The mean DMFT was 6.86± 6.03. although nonsignificant , females had the lower number of missing teeth and decayed teeth but a higher number of filled teeth. DMFT was positively associated with age (p≤0.05)
Conclusions: This study although small-scale shows that the levels of dental caries and periodontal diseases were relatively high and the utilisation of dental service, particularly the conservative ones, was very low. Dental education campaigns and extensive preventive programs are required to improve the oral health and quality of life of Libyan adults. Further research is needed to address the needs at the population level.