Caries preventive practices and dental caries among boys aged 6–15 in Saudi Arabia

Authors

  • SM Yassin Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha
  • S Tikare Department of Periodontics and Community Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha
  • ZM AlKahtani Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha
  • FJ AlFaifi College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha
  • WS AlFaifi College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha
  • E AlFaifi College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha
  • A Omair College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha
  • KS Ravi Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23804/ejpd.2020.21.02.02

Keywords:

Preventive dentistry, Oral habits, School children, Logistic regression analysis

Abstract

AIM: The aim of the present study was to assess caries preventive practices and dental caries among boys aged 6–15 in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study included a sampling frame of all male school students aged 6–15 years in a subpopulation of Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire was developed to collect information from mothers on the use of recommended caries preventive practices (RCPP) by the child. Children were examined clinically for dental caries status using DMFT index. CONCLUSION: Brushing teeth at least twice a day, use of fluoridated toothpaste and consumption of sugary snacks less than once a day have significant influence in occurrence of dental caries. Using all RCPP tools were more effective in caries prevention than used individually.