Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.15644/asc56/1/5
Dental Caries Prevalence and Oral Health Status among 15-Year- Old Adolescents in Kosovo
Lulëjeta Ferizi
orcid.org/0000-0002-3978-790X
; Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Prishtina; University Dentistry Clinical Center of Kosovo
Venera Bimbashi
orcid.org/0000-0002-7212-4972
; Department of Prosthodontics, Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Prishtina; University Dentistry Clinical Center of Kosovo
Jeta Kelmendi
orcid.org/0000-0002-7622-5324
; Department of Orthodontics, Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Prishtina, Kosovo
Abstract
Caries has a harmful impact on oral and general health and is a major public health problem among children and adolescents. The objective of present study was to investigate into dental caries, oral hygiene, the frequency of brushing habits and dental visits among 15 year old adolescents. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on a random sample of 323 15 year old adolescents in different schools and municipalities of Kosovo. Oral clinical examination and self-administered questionnaire were used to obtain information about dental caries and oral health practices. Oral hygiene and caries status in permanent dentition was assessed through the DMFT index and Oral Hygiene Index - Simplified (OHI-S). The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The total mean of the DMFT index was 3.21 ± 2.193, while component D of the DMFT index dominated in both genders, with slightly higher values in boys compared to girls (2.15±2.092, and 1.91±1.919). The mean OHI-S index of adolescents aged 15 was found to be 1.945±3.926. Over 50% of schoolchildren brush their teeth only once per day and they have visited the dentist only when it was necessary. Irregular toothbrushing, dental visits and poor oral hygiene index were significantly related to dental caries. Conclusion: The results of the study showed poor oral health status among 15 year old adolescents in Kosovo. There is an emergent need for caries prevention programs focusing on oral health and healthy habits.
Keywords
Dental Caries; Oral Hygiene Index; Tooth brushing; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Adolescents
Hrčak ID:
274095
URI
Publication date:
21.3.2022.
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