Abstract:
Although there are reports of decrease in caries prevalence in developed countries, however prevalence remains high in developing countries. Increased consumption of cariogenic food and compromised oral hygiene affects child dental health. Aim of this study was to provide updated data regarding caries prevalence to concerned authorities and decision makers of dental health sector to enable them to improve the strategies for preventive oral health. Multistage random sampling technique was used to reach the targeted sample size 395. In Latifabad town, Hyderabad district, 2 public and 2 private schools were selected. Data was collected using WHO criteria.The overall caries prevalence was 194(49.7%) in public and private schools. About 94(24.1 %) students were caries free and 101(25.8%) accounted for missing teeth and 1(0.3%) filled teeth. Caries affected males 114(58%) and females 80(41%) and was more prevalent in age group 9-11 years 43.5%. In public schools caries prevalence was high (55%) as compared to private school (45%). It was concluded that prevalence of caries was too high. Schools administration should focused on oral hygiene maintenance, strictness on cariogenic food items and regular professional dental check-ups to obtain future healthy population
