Abstract

Ali Eskandarizadeh, *Molook Torabi, Pejvak Parval and Ali Taheri

ABSTRACT

Background and aim: Significant Caries index (SiC) has been defined by WHO to evaluate caries status in different societies, in this index 1/3 of samples who had the highest caries rate would be analyzed. The aim of this study was to determine the SiC in 12-year-old students in Kerman, Iran. Materials and methods: This descriptive cross sectional study was carried out on 300, 12-year-old students that had been selected by systematic cluster sampling. Data were collected by a questionnaire (parents’ educational level, parents’ occupation, birth rank, number of children in family) and oral health behavior (tooth brushing, use of fluoride mouth wash, dental floss and dental visits status). Teeth were examined by dental mirror, according to WHO criteria. Data were analyzed in SPSS.V.19 by using t-test, and chi square tests. Results: The mean DMFT and SiC indices were 3.39±2.6 and 6.74±1.68respectively 15% of students were caries free (CF). There was significant correlation between SiC & number of children in family, parents’ educational level, tooth brushing and dental floss use status. There was no significant correlation between SiC and sex, birth rank, parents’ occupational status, using fluoride mouth wash and dental visits. Conclusion: SiC in 12-year-old students in Kerman is more than WHO standards, so more attention to this group is recommended.