Dental caries and gingivitis among 12-year-old children in peri-urban Kitale,Trans-Nzoia district, Kenya

Abstract

Background: One of the WHO global health goals stated that the global average for dental caries should not have been more than 3 DMFT at 12 years of age by the year 2000. However the prevalence of dental caries, gingivitis and dental treatmentneeds among 12-year-old children in Kitale municipality has never been investigatedthis study will form a baseline database for this cohort. Objective: To describe the prevalence of dental caries and gingivitis and the dentaltreatment needs among 12-year-old children in Kitale municipality. Study design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting: Primary schools in Kitale municipality, Trans Nzoia district. Materials and methods: Eight schools were randomly selected from the 4 educational zones. Two schools represented each zone. A total of 292 children aged 12 years were randomly selected from the eight schools. Data was collected using a self administered questionnaire and a data collection form. Data analysis: Data was analysed using SPSS. The mean was computed for DMFT, frequencies for prevalence of caries and gingivitis. Mann Whitney U test and Kruskal Wallis were used to test associations between dental disease and oral health knowledge, practices and oral health seeking behaviour. Data was presented in the form of tables and graphs. Results: The overall prevalence of dental caries was 50.3%. The prevalence of dentalcaries when only the permanent teeth were considered was 44.5% with a meanDMFT of 0.92 (SO 1.36). Girls had a significantly higher caries experience (DMFT)than boys (p< 0.05). The main treatment need indicated for decayed teeth wasone surface restoration, with 46.9%% of all the children requiring this kind of treatment. Endodontics was indicated in 7.5% of the children while extractions werethe least required treatment with 5.1% of the children examined requiring this kindof treatment. The prevalence of gingivitis was 77.7%. Out of these 38.7% of the children requiredprofessional dental care (scaling and oral prophylaxis). Majority (67.5%) of the children brushed their teeth. Out of those who brushed their teeth, 87.8% used toothpaste. 64.5% used a tooth brush, 16.8% used mswaki and 16.2% used mswaki and toothbrush. These oral hygiene practices did not have an influence on caries experience or on the prevalence of gingivitis. The utilization of dental services was low with only 36.3% of the children having visited the dentist. Conclusion: The prevalence of dental caries and gingivitis was high. The mean DMFT was 0.92(SO 1.36). There was a greater need for one surface restoration and mouth scaling for these children. Knowledge and oral hygiene practices did not influence the prevalence of gingivitis.