Prevalence of common dental diseases and oral hygiene practices among orphanage children in Chennai, South India-health policy impli-cations

Abstract

Background: Since children form a vulnerable group for oral diseases, this study was undertaken to understand the prevalence of common oral diseases and the oral hygiene practices among children in orphanages in Chennai. Materials & Methods: 393 children were examined from randomly selected Or-phanages in South Chennai for prevalence of dental caries and gingival disease. The severity was deter-mined by DMFT (Decayed missing Filled Index) / deft and gingival index of Loe and Sillness. The difference in disease pattern was observed in both male and female children separately and also in (3-6) and (7-12) years age group. The children were also assessed on oral hygiene practices. Results: Overall 73.3% and 66.66% of the children suffer from Dental Caries and gingival disease respectively. In (3-12) year age group, the prevalence of Dental caries was proportionately high in male children (80% v/s 68%: p<0.001). The severity of dental caries was also high in male children (DMFT /deft scores – 2.08 among males & 1.91 among females), however gingival index showed a significant difference between (3-6) and (7-12) years age group (p<0.001). There is a fair positive correlation between DMFT/deft score and gingival index score (r= 0.45, p=0.001). The number of times teeth brushed was statistically significant in specific age group and gender (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study indicates the need for enforcing oral hygiene practices and timely intervention for treatment of oral diseases for children in orphanages. The overall vulnerability of children in (7-12) age group for oral diseases calls for attention of the caretakers. Keywords: Caries; gingivitis; DMFT; deft; oral hygiene Practice