Evaluation of Oral Health in Primary School Children in Saveh,Iran

Background and Objective : One of the criteria of public health assessment is oral health. DMFT index (Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth) is considered as an indicator of oral health and periodontal diseases.­We aimed at investigating the oral health status of primary school students of in Saveh,Iran.   Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, ۸۱۰ primary school students were assigned by multistage sampling. The instruments were a demographic questionnaire and oral examination based on DMFT index, according to the world health organization criteria. The data were analyzed by SPSS version ۱۴, using descriptive and analytical tests and (P<۰.۰۵).   Results: The Average DMFT is ۷.۸±۳.۲.The results show that­ ۴۲.۱% of students brush their teeth once a day,­­۴۸.۳% of them use mouthwash and ۱.۲% need an immediate dental treatment. There is significant relationship between age, gender and frequency of brushing and DMFT index(P<۰.۰۵).   Conclusion: The prevalence of dental caries among primary school students of Saveh is greater than the world health organization standards, therefore correct planning is necessary to improve the present condition.