IADR Abstract Archives
Oral Health Conditions of Children in Mothuka, Rajasthan, India
Objectives: Previous studies have noted high prevalence of periodontitis among adults and moderate caries prevalence among children in Rajasthan, India. In January 2016, New York University College of Dentistry conducted oral health assessments for children at G.M School in Mothuka, Rajasthan, to identify the most pressing oral health conditions and opportunities for intervention. The dental team provided age-appropriate oral health education and initiated classroom-based toothbrushing.
Methods: A pediatric dentist completed dental examinations and prophylaxes for 177 children aged 3-13 years. Findings were digitally recorded using modified ICDAS classifications to identify Decayed, Demineralized, Missing, Filled, and Intact surfaces. Water samples were gathered from four locations and returned to New York for analysis.
Results: Caries prevalence was 49%. Mean DMFS was 0.22 (SD±0.89) and dmfs was 3.28 (SD±5.45), with no significant differences by age or gender. While few children complained of pain, generalized gingivitis and gingival bleeding were observed in conjunction with localized calculus deposits. Fluoride content in water samples ranged from 0.38-1.59 mg/L, with the highest concentration found at the school’s source.
Conclusions: Observed and statistical findings suggest that the highest burden of dental caries is found within a small proportion of children, likely due to the presence of naturally occurring fluoride in the water supply. The need for clinical intervention is moderate; non-invasive caries management would be sufficient for most children. The poor gingival health and presence of localized calculus deposits are noteworthy and indicative of poor oral hygiene practices. These findings may foreshadow the high burden of periodontal disease that has been noted in Rajasthan’s adult population. A school-based oral hygiene routine would improve the gingival health of the children and prevent new caries.
Methods: A pediatric dentist completed dental examinations and prophylaxes for 177 children aged 3-13 years. Findings were digitally recorded using modified ICDAS classifications to identify Decayed, Demineralized, Missing, Filled, and Intact surfaces. Water samples were gathered from four locations and returned to New York for analysis.
Results: Caries prevalence was 49%. Mean DMFS was 0.22 (SD±0.89) and dmfs was 3.28 (SD±5.45), with no significant differences by age or gender. While few children complained of pain, generalized gingivitis and gingival bleeding were observed in conjunction with localized calculus deposits. Fluoride content in water samples ranged from 0.38-1.59 mg/L, with the highest concentration found at the school’s source.
Conclusions: Observed and statistical findings suggest that the highest burden of dental caries is found within a small proportion of children, likely due to the presence of naturally occurring fluoride in the water supply. The need for clinical intervention is moderate; non-invasive caries management would be sufficient for most children. The poor gingival health and presence of localized calculus deposits are noteworthy and indicative of poor oral hygiene practices. These findings may foreshadow the high burden of periodontal disease that has been noted in Rajasthan’s adult population. A school-based oral hygiene routine would improve the gingival health of the children and prevent new caries.