Prevalence of tooth mortality among 6-13 year old school children

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India

2 Department of Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India.

3 Department of Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India.

4 Department of Public Health Dentistry, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Background: Tooth mortality is the loss of teeth due to decay, trauma, or extraction. It represents a significant oral health issue with potential long-term consequences. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of tooth mortality among 6-13-year-old school children in the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.
Methods: Children were recruited through multistage cluster sampling. A total of 3997 children, including 2117 males and 1880 females, were screened for the presence of tooth mortality in the present cross-sectional observational study. The data were analyzed using Chi-square test.
Results: Tooth mortality was observed in 15.2% of the study population. No significant difference was observed in terms of tooth mortality between males and females. The males had a prevalence of 15.4% and females had a prevalence of 14.2%. Seven years old children had the highest prevalence of tooth mortality (18.4%). The lowest prevalence was observed in 12-year-old group (12.9%). However, no significant difference was observed between different age groups. The prevalence of tooth mortality was higher in permanent dentition (13.38%) compared to primary dentition (5.40%). Mandibular first permanent molars exhibited the highest tooth mortality among the study population.
Conclusion: The prevalence of tooth mortality in the study population is 15.2%. The results recommend comprehensive caries prevention programs targeting children at an early age. Implementation of community-based interventions may help reduce tooth mortality among children.

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Main Subjects

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Journal of Oral Health and Oral Epidemiology
Volume 14, Issue 1
January 2025
Pages 1-5

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History

  • Receive Date: 22 January 2025
  • Revise Date: 12 May 2025
  • Accept Date: 24 May 2025

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