Oral health and treatment needs among 18-year-old Iranians

To investigate the oral health status of 18-year-old Iranians in relation to their gender, place of residence and level of education.

Thirty-three calibrated examiners in 2002 collected data as part of a national survey, according to World Health Organization criteria for sampling and clinical diagnoses, across 28 provinces. The study sample was 4,448; male: 2,021 and female: 2,427 made up of urban: 2,564 and rural: 1,884. Oral health status was assessed in terms of number of teeth, decayed teeth (DT), filled teeth (FT), decayed, missing or filled teeth (DMFT), community periodontal index and plaque index.

The mean number of teeth was 27.4, with DMFT: 4.3, DT: 3.0 and FT: 0.7. The mean number of sound teeth was higher (p < 0.01) in men (24.1 vs. 23.3 in women), FT in urban residents (1.0 vs. 0.2 in rural residents) and DT in women (3.3 vs. 2.8 in men). Three of 4 subjects were in need of restorative treatments. All subjects had dental plaque; 387 (8%) healthy gingiva; 1,016 (23%) exhibited bleeding; 2,025 (48%) calculus and 1,020 (21%) deepened pockets. Men's periodontal status was worse than women's (p < 0.002). Low level of education was associated with having 27 or fewer teeth (OR = 1.7), calculus (OR = 1.5) or deep periodontal pockets (OR = 2.7).

A majority of 18-year-old Iranians seem to enjoy a full dentition. High prevalence of dental plaque, calculus, periodontal pockets and untreated dental cariesespecially among underprivileged groups may put them at risk for tooth loss in adulthood.