Epidemiology of Dental Caries in an Urban Area in India

Objectives: Data on oral health status from certain urban parts of the Indian subcontinent appear to be sparse. The purpose of the study was to assess the oral health status and dental treatment needs of an urban Indian population. Methods: The study population consisted of 192 volunteer subjects from the city of Bombay, with a mean age of 40.1±15.5 years and 45% males. Dental caries experience was assessed by decayed, missing due to caries and filled teeth (DMFT) and tooth surfaces (DMFS). Structured interviews collected information about the participants' perception of health including oral health, oral hygiene and snacking habits. Results: While only 30.6% perceived themselves to be in good or very good dental health, nearly 72% felt the same about general health. Although, more than 80% reported brushing their teeth at least once a day, very small proportion used dental floss (1.6%) or mouth rinse (4.2%). The most common sugar exposure was through sweetened tea, with 70% of respondents consuming the beverage at least once a day. Nearly 80% of the study participants had untreated caries and the mean DMFT and DMFS scores were 8.9±5.8 and 24.5±24.5, which did not show any gender differences. The dental treatment needs ranged from 6.8% preventive restorations to 58.3% one-surface fillings; 31.8% two-surface fillings, 24.5% crowns or bridges and 16.1% extractions. Those who perceived themselves to be in better oral health had significantly lower DMFT (5.6±4.1 vs. 10.5±6.0) and DMFS (11.9±12.0 vs. 31.1±26.9) scores (p<0.05). A similar trend was observed between perception of general health and DMFT (8.3±5.8 vs. 10.9±5.8) as well as DMFS (21.6±23.4 vs. 35.5±26.6) scores. Conclusions: Results indicate high levels of dental caries as well dental treatment needs among an urban East Indian population.