Oral health survey in 12-year-old children in the Islamic Republic of Iran, 1993-1994

Abstract

A total of 43 772 students in fifth grade were classified by sex and place of residence (urban/rural) in all districts and provinces of the country, and were examined to estimate the decayed, missing and filled (DMFT) teeth index and tooth brushing. Analysis revealed that the DMFT index in 12-year-old students was 1.67, which is considered low according to WHO criteria. The teeth with most caries were the first permanent molars. Girls had higher DMFT than boys. In some areas, urban students had significantly higher DMFT whereas in other areas, rural students had significantly higher DMFT.