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Five-year follow-up caries study among Nigerian children
K Kubota1, M Yonemitsu, N O Hollist
1Faculty of Dentistry, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, School of Dentistry, Japan.
Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Dental caries prevalence remained low in Nigerian children, with slight increases in urban areas and decreases in rural areas due to tooth attrition. This longitudinal study tracked caries trends over five years.
Area of Science:
- Oral epidemiology
- Pediatric dentistry
- Public health
Background:
- Dental caries is a significant global oral health issue.
- Understanding caries trends in developing regions is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Previous data from Ile-Ife, Nigeria, indicated low caries prevalence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess changes in dental caries prevalence and severity over a five-year period in children from Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
- To compare caries data between urban and rural populations.
- To evaluate the impact of tooth attrition on caries progression.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study of 85 children (initially aged 3-9 years) first examined in 1981 and re-examined in 1986.
- Cross-sectional caries data from a separate sample of 6-14-year-olds were also analyzed.
- Data collected included caries prevalence and decayed, missing, or filled teeth (DMFT) index.
Main Results:
- A slight increase in caries prevalence and mean DMFT was observed in the urban area, remaining at very low levels.
- Caries prevalence and mean DMFT decreased in rural areas.
- Tooth attrition was noted to be a significant factor, progressing faster than caries in rural children.
Conclusions:
- Dental caries remains a low-prevalence condition among children in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
- Urbanization may be associated with a slight increase in caries risk.
- Accelerated tooth attrition can mask or reduce observable caries in rural populations.