Prevalence of Caries in 12-year Old Children Populations in Poland

Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the frequency and caries intensity in a group of 12-year old children in a large- /Krakow/ versus a small- city /Nowy Sacz/ population in Poland and to relate socio-behavioral factors to caries prevalence. Methods: The study was carried out on 553 children, randomly selected from the grammar schools of both cities. Data were obtained in 2004-2005. An examination comprised clinical caries evaluation according to the WHO criteria and a questionnaire including information about hygiene, tooth brushing, dietary habits and tooth eruption time. Statistical analysis of the results obtained was performed using the STATISTICA package. Results: The frequency of caries in the large city population, (284 people), was 90,94% /female 94,12%, male 87,16%/ versus small city population, (269 children), was 96,65% /female 99,32%, male 93,50%/. The difference was statistically significant (p=0,002). Mean DMFT index was 4,60 /4,93 female, 4,30 male/ in the large city, compared to the small city 5,96 /6,82 female, 4,93 male/ (again statistically significant: p=0,00002). The value of the SCI index was lower among children from the large city population. The results show that bad dietary habits have an important influence on caries activity in the large city population. No important correlation between caries activity and teeth eruption time was observed. Conclusion: Caries prevalence in both populations was high. Dental care in the study group of children was not sufficient in the large city population nor in the small city. Further prophylaxis and early caries treatment should be immediately introduced to achieve the appropriate WHO goals.