The prevalence and severity of dental caries in Chad: a pilot study

This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and severity of dental caries among a cross section of a sample from different locations in Chad as part of a general assessment of their oral health status.

A cross-sectional descriptive survey of a nationwide sample included volunteers, 10 years or older, for a total of 1,011 participants. The survey consisted of a brief interview followed by a 1-2 minute oral examination of each subject.

The mean age of the participants was 29.61 ±12.59 years and the total mean value for Decayed/Missing/Filled Teeth (DMFT)=1.96 ±1.78. Females had a higher mean DMFT (2.72 ±1.88); decayed (2.82 ±1.07); missing teeth (1.81 ±1.14) than males (1.61 ±1.60): decayed (2.11 ±1.09); missing (1.45 ±0.89, respectively; all p<0.001). The older group (>30 years) had higher DMFT (2.79 ±1.93) than the younger group (d"30 years; p<0.001). Urban area showed lower DMFT (1.81 ±1.68) than rural areas (2.31 ±1.95).

In this study, the prevalence of dental caries is very low which is similar to the most of the African Saharan and sub-Saharan countries. However, there is need to establish caries control programs to prevent tooth decay in the future and help people maintain lifelong dental health.