Significant caries index values and related factors in 5-6-year-old children in Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract

To evaluate significant caries (SiC) index values and related factors in Turkish children aged 5-6 years old, children from 5 nursery schools in Istanbul were included in a cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic information and data about oral care habits were obtained from the records and from parents. Of 542 students examined, the mean decayed/ missing/filled primary teeth (dmft) index was 3.74 (SD 3.49) and the SiC index was 7.75 (SD 2.56). About 76.8% of the children had experienced dental caries. Logistic regression analysis of the SiC index for dmft showed that risk factors for poor dental status were low mother's education (OR 2.04) and irregular toothbrushing versus once-a-day brushing (OR 4.09) or twice-a-day brushing (OR 4.20).