ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS OF DENTAL CARIES AMONG URBAN PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

Abstract

Background: Oral health is a key part of the general health of an individual and is

crucial to quality of life. Several oral diseases can affect individuals' oral health and

one of these diseases is dental caries. It occurs as a result of acids produced when

sugars react with bacteria found in the plaque on the enamel of the tooth.

Objectives: To assess the risk factors of dental caries among urban primary school

children.

Metbod: The study used a cross sectional design and 420 primary school children

were sampled using simple random sampling technique in six school in Adentan

Municipality. A face-to-face structured questionnaire was used and oral examination

were conducted by two dentists. Gloves, dental probe, face mask, spatula, mouth

mirror and a clinical dental fonns were used during oral examination. Data analysed

using independent t test and simple logistic regression.

Result: The findings suggest that, 1.43%,63.81 % and 34.76% of respondent had low,

moderate and high levels of knowledge respectively. Level of knowledge was

significantly associated with sex and school type. Averagely, females had 0.69 higher

score than males and private school children had 2.03 higher. Level of oral health

practices was significantly associated with school type. The odds of a child being

diagnosed with dental carries was 1.S 1 times for a unit increase in diet and nutrition

scores. Age and school types a statistical significance on diagnosis on dental caries

while the sex of the school children was not.

CoIIduioa: An upsurge in consumption of sweet foods by primary school children

increases the chances of caries; and age, type of school, oral health practices are

contributing factors.