Dental Caries assessment of Rural Population of Sindh by DMFT (Decayed missing and filled teeth) Index.

Abstract

Dental caries is known as an infectious disease of microbiologic origin. Streptococcus mutans is established to be the main causative agent, which leads to localized dissolution and destruction of the calcified tissues. It is the most prevalent oral disease which shows an inevitable geographic dissimilarity, socioeconomic patterns and severity around the globe. The role of Fluoride in Caries prevention is extremely imperative as it is substance which relates strongly in the caries process and favours remineralisation of the affected tooth after the bacterial attack has ceased. Objectives: The objective of this study was to record dental caries experience in rural population of district Matiari Sindh. Study Design: Descriptive Cross Sectional. Setting: Camp of Taluka Hospital Matiari. Period: From the period of one year from Jan-Dec 2018. Material & Methods: A total of 102 visitants of camp were included in the study with caries evaluation of around 2569 teeth. Dental Caries status was checked by using DMFT index as recommended by WHO for oral health surveys. Results: Mean DMFT was found to be 0.07±. 146 (5.75%) teeth were found decayed, 43 (1.7%) were found missing due to caries, No tooth was found restored while 2378 (92.6%) were found to be in sound condition. Conclusion: Access to Oral and Dental healthcare services found to be minimal may be due to inadequate Dental facilities and lack of Dental professionals in rural areas of Sindh province.