Dental Caries experience among 12-15 year old school children in Egor District, Nigeria: Report of a local survey and campaign.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of dental caries among school children in Egor local government area (district) and establish baseline data.

Design: Cross sectional survey of urban and rural; private and public school children in Egor district, Edo State, Nigeria.

Subjects and Methods: A total of 358 randomly selected school children aged 12-15 from urban and rural; private and public schools in Egor district were examined by the calibrated researcher for dental caries according to the World Health Organization's criteria. A questionnaire was administered to elicit information on tooth cleaning, dietary habits and dental experience of the subjects. Oral health campaign was conducted in the selected schools as an incentive. Data was analyzed using SPSS 7.5

Results: Sixty-seven percent (n=238) of the school children were caries-free. Mean DMFT score was 0.92. Decayed teeth accounted for the largest component (98.6%). No fillings were seen. Prevalence was higher in males (1.25) than females (0.92); urban (1.05) more than rural (0.76) private schools (1.23) more than public schools (0.83). DMFT scores at age 12,13,14,and 15 were 0.73,1.02,1.22,and 0.95 respectively. 81% of the schoolchildren have never visited the dental clinic, 94% claim to use toothbrush and 80% regularly take snacks.

Conclusion: Caries prevalence in Egor District is very low but increasing with age. Preventive and restorative treatment needs are high. Dental habits are likely to increase prevalence hence need for continuous monitoring, preventive and restorative programs.

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