engleski

Oral health status according to WHO criteria and laser fluorescence measurements

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to analyse the oral health status of children in Zagreb, Croatia, by using visual and laser fluorescence methods. Patients and methods: The study comprised of 638 children aged 7–14 years from two elementary schools in Zagreb. Patient’s parents gave written, informed consent and permission had been obtained from the ethical comitee of School of Dental Medicine. Children were examined in a dental polyclinic by two calibrated examiners, using visual methods (WHO 1997). DMFT, DMFS and deft values were recorded. Additionally, laser fluorescence device DIAGNOdent (KaVo) was used to examine total of 2552 first permanent molars. The results of these two methods were correlated. Data were statistically analysed using chi-square test. Results: Average mean DMFT = 3.2, average mean DMFS = 4.2 and average mean deft = 3.2 were found analysing data for all children (aged 7–14 years) included in the study. Regression analysis showed that the DMFT value increased by 1.0 and DMFS value by 1.6 for each year of age. Only 25.7% of all children (aged 7–14 years) were caries free. Agreement of the results obtained by visual examination and DIAGNOdent was 76.3% (v2, P < 0.001) for occlusal, 94.1% (v2, P < 0.001) for buccal and 92.6% (v2, P < 0.001) for oral surfaces. Conclusion: This study has found a statistically significant agreement in the results obtained by visual examination and laser fluorescence. We concluded that DIAGNOdent can be used as a helpful supplementary tool in caries diagnosis. The results of DMFT, DMFS and deft indices indicate the need for additional investments in preventive programs.

caries prevention; epidemiology; fluorescence; DMFT index

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