Dental Caries Prevalence Among Adolescents in Lagos Nigeria

Objective: The study was carried out to assess the prevalence and severity of dental caries among adolescents in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: The World Health Organization Pathfinder methodology for oral surveys was employed. The target population was 11 to 16 year-old adolescents in Surulere local government area of Lagos State, Nigeria. Information on sex, age and socio-economic status was obtained. The dentition of subjects were examined for absence or presence of dental caries, missing teeth and filings on teeth. Results: 600 adolescents of ages 11 to 16 years were seen. A caries-free prevalence of 76.2% was recorded in the study population; males (81.8%) and females (70.3%). A mean DMFT of 0.72(1.67) and mean DMF% of 2.62(6.17) was recorded. The mean DMFT and DMF% for males were 0.45(1.87) and 1.66%(4.66) and for females these were 1.00(1.97) and 3.63%(7.31) respectively. Caries prevalence and severity were higher in females than males (p<0.05). Older adolescents had higher caries prevalence and DMFT (p<0.05) than the younger ones. Although the higher social class had higher caries prevalence and severity, no significant statistical difference was recorded with respect to socio-economic status (p>0.05) Conclusion: The caries-free prevalence of 76.2% and mean DMFT of 0.72(1.67) and mean DMF% of 2.62(6.17) shows an increasing caries trend when compared to previous Nigerian studies. However, this is still better than the World Health Organization target of 3DMFT (Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth) in 12 year-olds. The dental caries trend with respect to sex and socio-economic status is also changing. More females than males seem to be having dental caries while the socio-economic status seem not to influence caries prevalence and severity. These changing trends may be the result of social changes in Nigeria with increasing availability and affordability of confectionaries to all classes of people in the country. Keywords: Dental caries, adolescents, socio-economic status.