Dental caries status of children in Jakarta, Indonesia

Objectives: Many studies have shown the differences of dental caries experiences and periodontal status by gender. Data presenting dental caries and periodontal status by gender in Jakarta and its four satellite cities, which are Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi, which can be shortened by Jabodetabek, are still limited. This study aims to describe the differences of dental caries and periodontal status by gender among 5 and 12 years-old children in Jabodetabek.
Methods: A total of 390 5 year-old and 458 12-year-old children with balanced proportion between gender were involved in the research. Intraoral condition of children ages 5 and 12 years-old who study in Jabodetabek area were examined by calibrated intra-examiner. Caries rate was measured by dmf-t/DMF-T and pufa/PUFA index, periodontal status was measured by Loe and Silness modified index.
Results: There were no significant differences in dmf-t, pufa, and plaque index between boys and girls ages 5 year-old (p>0.05). In 12-years-old group, caries rates were significantly higher in girls than boys (p<0.05). Nevertheless, the periodontal status of girls were significantly better than boys (p<0.05).
Conclusions: There are significantly differences in caries rates and periodontal status between boys and girls in Jabodetabek area which can be investigated in 12-years-old children.