Caries experience in primary and permanent dentition among Italian 6-year-olds

Objective: There are very few national caries-preventive policies for children in Italy. Various surveys suggest that in the late 1980s and 90s oral health of children, and especially 6-year olds in Italy, was poorer than in those of other European countries. In Tuscany (a Department in the centre of Italy) a public preventive oral health programme was established in 2004. Monitoring of dental of primary and permanent tooth caries of 6-year olds was planned. The aim of the study was to describe caries experience and caries status in 6-year olds. Methods: 2716 (1400 males and 1316 females) 6-year-old schoolchildren were randomly selected and their teeth clinically examined after air drying, under standard light using plain mirror and WHO CPI ballpoint probe. Clinical DMFT and CPI were recorded following the WHO indications. Statistical analysis involved comparison of mean values, variance analysis and chi-square test for categorical variables. Results: The proportion of children with caries experience was 17.64, males were more affected 19.93% vs 15.20 (Χ²=10.45 p<0.01 OR=1.31 95%CI=1.07-1.60). The dmft and sub-indices (dt and ft) means±standard deviation, and skewness were respectively: 0.59±1.61, 3.38; 0.53±1.51, 3.65; 0.05±0.42, 9.53. Among the Tuscany's districts, statistically significant differences were observed for dt and dmft (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02 respectively). Gingival inflammation (CPI=1) and presence of calculus was observed in 23.71% and 13.84% of the sample, respectively, between genders no statistically significant differences was noted. Regarding the permanent dentition, caries was present only in 4.31% of the sample. Conclusion: Caries experience in 6-year olds in Tuscany is low but caries remained an important inequitable disease for risk groups. The situation requires changes to the dental care provision system.