Assessment of Risk Factors of Dental Caries Among Urban Primary School Children in the Adentan Municipality

Abstract

Background: Oral health is a key part of the general health of an individual and is crucial to quality of life. Several oral diseases can affect individuals' oral health and one of these diseases is dental caries. It occurs as a result of acids produced when sugars react with bacteria found in the plaque on the enamel of the tooth. Objectives: To assess the risk factors of dental caries among urban primary school children. Method: The study used a cross sectional design and 420 primary school children were sampled using simple random sampling technique in six school in Adentan Municipality. A face-to-face structured questionnaire was used and oral examination were conducted by two dentists. Gloves, dental probe, face mask, spatula, mouth mirror and a clinical dental forms were used during oral examination. Data analysed using independent t test and simple logistic regression. Result: The findings suggest that, 1.43%,63.81 % and 34.76% of respondent had low, moderate and high levels of knowledge respectively. Level of knowledge was significantly associated with sex and school type. Averagely, females had 0.69 higher score than males and private school children had 2.03 higher. Level of oral health practices was significantly associated with school type. The odds of a child being diagnosed with dental carries was 1.S 1 times for a unit increase in diet and nutrition scores. Age and school types a statistical significance on diagnosis on dental caries while the sex of the school children was not. Conclusion: An upsurge in consumption of sweet foods by primary school children increases the chances of caries; and age, type of school, oral health practices are contributing factors.