Evaluation of DMFT Index in 11-16 Year- Old Children of Bavanat in 2001

Abstract

Background: DMFT is the most important index of dental caries. According to the meeting held by WHO and FDI in RiodeJenerio in 1981, the following criteria were proposed universally: 1) 50% of children should be caries free. 2) DMFT index should not be more than 3 in 12 year-old children. 3) 85% of 18 year-olds should not have an extracted tooth.Materials and Methods: The aim of this investigation was to determine the prevalence of dental caries and DMFT in 11-16 year-old school children in Bavanat. A total of 407 children (271 males and 136 females) were examined in Bavanat schools.Results: The mean DMFT in 11-16 year-old children was 2.25%, although 95.8% of the DMFT score was related to decayed teeth (D) and only 2% of decayed teeth were filled.The means of DMFT for ages 12 + 1 and 15 + 1 were 1.9 and 2.7 respectively, which were statistically significant. The results of this study demonstrated that DMFT was 2.33 among males and 2.09 among females.Conclusion: The results of our investigation showed that the DMFT index in an experimental population was relatively acceptable.Key words: DMFT, Caries prevention, Bavanat