[Caries in Croatian Army recruits in 2000]

The aim of this study was to evaluate oral health of Croatian army recruits, and subsequently, by DMFT index and FST index, to point to dental status of each recruit and to make the diagnosis and treatment plan accordingly.

A total of 248 randomly chosen Croatian Army recruits aged 19-29 underwent examination at a dental office in Koprivnica barracks. Their oral health status was clinically observed and evaluated by use of DMFT and FST indexes. The quality of dental treatment and number of restorations were estimated according to the formula: FTx100/DFT. The study included recruits who had no decayed teeth (DMFT=0), and all teeth, apart from wisdom teeth, were examined. The subjects were divided according to age and place of residence (urban, rural), all of them living in central Croatian counties. They were also interviewed about their dietary habits, and personal oral and dental care. The methods of nonparameter statistics were used due to abnormal data distribution.

Healthy teeth were found in 4% of study subjects. The median value of DMFT was 6, and of FST index 25. There were no statistically significant differences in the indices according to either residence or age of recruits. A statistically significant difference was recorded between DT and FST index (p<0.05) according to educational level and understanding of the dietary role of carbohydrates reflected in caries development. Restorations were present in 18.6% of the recruits, i. e. their teeth were well treated, without any further carious lesions.

The results of epidemiological studies, carried out in many countries, have revealed a decreased number of caries resulting from overall preventive measures that were taken from early childhood. Specific socioeconomic factors play an important role in Croatia as well as in other transition countries.

The values of DMFT indexes recorded in recruits from other countries tend to be considerably lower than those in Croatian Army recruits. In populations with a high caries incidence it is more appropriate to use FST index. The study of caries in heterogeneous populations such as recruits points to the need of taking more effective preventive measures in childhood and adolescence.