Dental caries experience using the international caries detection and assessment system among adults, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh, India: An epidemiological survey

Abstract

Objectives: The International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS-II) is a newly developed system for determining dental caries at both cavitation and noncavitation levels. The present study was conducted to assess the prevalence, severity, and risk indicators of dental caries using ICDAS-II. Methods: Multistage cluster sampling methodology was followed. Data were collected using a questionnaire, and dentition status was recorded according to the ICDAS-II. Multiple linear regression analysis was done to determine the risk factors for caries. The significance level is taken as P < 0.05. Results: In a total sample of 1500 participants, the prevalence of dental caries according to ICDAS-II was highest at the cutoff point 1 in both males (98.2%) and females (99.4%) and was the least at the cutoff point 4 (males [44.8%], females [32.1%]). The risk factors for dental caries in the present study population are age, sex, employment status, socioeconomic status, level of education, systemic diseases, smoking, sugar consumption, last dental visit, self-perception of oral health, pain, and type of material used to clean teeth according to the ICDAS-II. Conclusions: This cross-sectional epidemiological study provides the prevalence, severity, and risk indicators of dental caries in 35–44-year-old adults of Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Keywords

• cavitated lesion
• dental caries
• epidemiology
• international caries detection and assessment system
• noncavitated lesion