Caries Incidence, by DMFT Index of Libyan School Children Concerning Socio-demographic Variables and Oral Health Behavior

Background and aims: dental caries are the most prevalent chronic disease and are caused due to complex interplay of behavioral, cultural, social, and dietary factors. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of dental caries and its relation to socioeconomic variables among Libyan children in Benghazi. Material and method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 207 of children aged 6-12 years in Benghazi, Libya. Patient’s data were recorded in a special form such as parent’s educations, employment, home density, family income, tooth brushing, mouth rinse, dental floss, and dental service. The diagnostic criteria for caries incidence were based on the oral Health Organization (WHO) Criteria. The child’s caries were measured by dmft and DMFT indices. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. A Chi-square test was used, whereas a p-value less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: caries-free teeth in the permanent dentition were 63.8%, while caries teeth were 36.2%. The DMFT in boys and girls were (1.14±0.19, and 1.28±0.19 respectively). The (dmft) in primary dentition was higher in boys and girls (5.45±0.39 and 4.77±0.38 respectively). No significant differences were found for the DMFT index to gender, mother‘s employment, and family income (P >0.05). However, significant differences were observed regarding the mother’s education, father’s education, Father’s employment, and home density (P <0.0001). Conclusion: the socioeconomic levels an important predictor of caries presence in the children. The possibility of being caries free is increased with the increscent in the parent’s education; therefore the public health planners should consider these findings when planning interventions to promote dental health education and services