Method:
2 schools from Budapest and 2 schools from Transylvanian villages were participated in this study, altogether with 140 children. The 72 boys (51%) and 68 girls (49%), between 8 and 10 yrs (mean: 9,25±0,52) were divided into 4 groups according to the different schools. The 1st group from Transylvania did not participate in a prevention program and effective dental treatment. The children of the 2nd group also from Transylvania had complete oral health program and also treatment in every half a year, for 4 yrs. The 3rd and 4th groups from Budapest had regular prevention program and treatment. The children of the 3rd group are from poor social milieu and the 4th is from good. Scoring of decayed, missing, filled teeth were computed according to the WHO recommendations.
Result:
The caries prevalence in Transylvania was 98% (1st group) and 81% (2nd group). DMFT index were 4,06 (DT=3,33, FT=0,23) in the 1st group and 4,1 (DT=1,74, FT=2,21) in the 2nd group. The schoolchildren from Budapest had 79 % caries prevalence in the 3rd group and 65% in the 4th group. The DMFT were 2,38 (DT=1,96, FT=0,42) and 0,18 (DT=0,18, FT=0) in Budapest.
Conclusion:
The poorer oral hygiene and higher caries prevalence in schoolchildren in Transylvanian villages show a difference between rural and urban regions and highlight the importance of oral health promotion and preventive dental programs. Beside the information at schools the support and guide of parents are also important.