Prevalence and intensity of gingivitis among 6-10 years old elementary school children in Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Gingivitis is one of the most prevalent diseases in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and intensity of gingivitis disease in 6-10 years old children and investigate its related factors. During a cross sectional study, a total of 442 boys and girls from elementary school children were selected from north, south, east, west and central areas of Tehran city in Iran by multistage random sampling. A questionnaire was completed. Children's gums were examined and they were evaluated by using of Leo and Silness gingival index method. Results showed that 422 (95.8%) of children were affected by gingivitis. The intensity of mild and moderated gingivitis was 277 (62.67%) and 145 (32.81%), respectively. There was no significant differences between the prevalence and intensity of gingivitis with age (p>0.05). Also, prevalence and intensity of gingivitis has a reverse relationship with daily brushing and gingivitis in the south and west of Tehran City is more than other areas.