Original scientific paper
Epidemiological Research on Oral Health in Central Dalmatia: A Pilot Study
Bego Krešimir
Njemirovskij Vera
Ivica Pelivan
Abstract
Tooth decay is one of the most widespread diseases in the world today. It affects all populations and age groups. It’s a disease that is very difficult to eradicate due to a complex interaction of social, cultural and biological factors, as well as nutritional habits, all of which influence the incidence of tooth decay. The purpose of this
research was to determine the incidence of caries in Central Dalmatia, and from a variety of living environments: urban (the city of Šibenik), rural (Drniš highlands), and island (Murter Island); this was done for five different age groups.
Material and Methods: The research covered 450 subjects from the following five different age groups: 6-year-olds, 12-years-olds, 15-year-olds, adults (35-44 years old), and elderly patients (65-74 years old). Each focus group consisted of 15 male and 15 female subjects. Altogether there were 150 examined subjects per geographical region, and the sum total of subjects was 450. The data compiled through clinical examination was entered into modified WHO forms. Results: The total DMFT index attained with this research was 9.53 for permanent teeth, with statistically significant difference between sexes. The average DMFT for deciduous teeth among sixyear-olds and twelve-year-olds was 2.0, without a statistically significant difference between genders.
Keywords
DMF Index, Dental Caries; Oral Health
Hrčak ID:
18219
URI
Publication date:
6.12.2007.
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