Prevalence of Dental Caries Among Libyan Children Aged from 6-12 in Derna City and Peripheral Area.

Ashraf S Elzer; Wahib A Dallal; Yahya A Elzarug; Nouriyah H Faraj; Saji W Ateeyah; Fatimah R Abraheem

doi:10.33214/gt7q9s95

Authors

Ashraf S Elzer Department of Dental Technology, College of Medical Technology – Derna-Libya Author
Wahib A Dallal Department of Dental Technology, College of Medical Technology – Derna-Libya Author
Yahya A Elzarug Department of Dental Technology, College of Medical Technology – Derna-Libya Author
Nouriyah H Faraj Department of Dental Technology, College of Medical Technology – Derna-Libya Author
Saji W Ateeyah Department of Dental Technology, College of Medical Technology – Derna-Libya Author
Fatimah R Abraheem Department of Dental Technology, College of Medical Technology – Derna-Libya Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33214/gt7q9s95

Keywords:

Dental Caries, DMFT Index, Mixed Dentition, School-Aged Children, Prevalence.

Abstract

Abstract: This study aimed to assess the DMFT/dmft index among school-aged children who are in the mixed dentition period. Material and Methods: A total of 300 children, aged between 6 and 12 years, were randomly selected through school visits. Each participant underwent an intraoral examination conducted by dental hygienists, with emphasis on recording the DMFT/dmft index, which reflects the number of decayed, missing, or filled teeth due to dental caries. Their oral health status and required treatments were documented. Result: The prevalence of dental caries varied from 17% to 59% among the children for DMFT and dmft indices, respectively. Of the 300 children, 129 (43%) were boys and 171 (57%) were girls, with an average age of 8.45 ± 1.94 years. The mean DMFT index was 0.45 ± 1.08, suggesting a low rate of dental caries, while the dmft index averaged 7.39 ± 6.11, indicating a high occurrence of dental caries. Conclusion: Dental caries in children with mixed dentition ranged widely from very low to extremely high, with higher prevalence observed in those aged between 9 and 12 years.

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