Abstract
The objective of this research was to assess oral health status and habits and to explore potential risk factors for dental caries among 6-13 years old children with limited access to dental care. A cross-sectional design was used to screen a sample of 563 intermediate school children with limited access to oral health care in the Al-Khomrah district, south Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A stratified random sample was selected and data was collected using an interview questionnaire with extraoral and intraoral examination. The examination aimed at detection of oral health conditions regarding oral hygiene status, habits, decayed, missing and filled teeth and treatment needs. Treatment of simple and emergency cases was performed in the mobile clinic and severe cases were referred to King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Dentistry (KAUFD). The study included 262 males (46.5%) and 301 females (53.3%) with a mean age of 10.99 +/- 2.07 years. The prevalence of decayed, missing or filled primary teeth was 59.1%, 2.5%, and 3.4%, respectively. The corresponding values for permanent teeth were 65.9%, 4.3% and 7.6%, respectively. Males had significantly higher prevalence of caries than females. The younger age groups, in case of primary teeth and the older age groups, in case of permanent teeth had significantly higher prevalence of dental caries. The median dmft (95% CI) was 2 (1-2) and the median DMFT (95% CI) was 2 (2-3). Multinomial multiple logistic regression indicated that intensity of primary teeth caries decreased with increasing age and brushing teeth at least once a day and increased with male gender, living in rented house or having poor oral hygiene. As regards permanent teeth, the likelihood of having more severe caries increased by child's age, below secondary school educated fathers and/or mothers, being a male, and with poor oral hygiene. Dental caries prevalence and intensity were moderate among the examined group. Males had significantly higher caries prevalence and intensity than females.