engleski

State of oral health in school children in Croatia

Background:The majority of studies on oral health in Croatia have neglected to include presenting factors. Aim:To analyze the state of oral health in children aged 6 to 9 years, with the purpose of drawing attention to the greater need of preventive procedures. Design: The research was carried out on students at Elementary School Blato, on the island of Korcula, Croatia. There were 80 participants. The plaque index was measured, and permanent first molars were examined by a visual-tactile method and Diagnodent. Only healthy first permanent molars were sealed in children who had at least two healthy permanent molars in two different quadrants. Results: Compared with participants aged 6, 7 and 9 years, statistically significantly lower plaque index values were observed in 8-year old participants (p = 0.004). Compared to participants aged 6 and 7 years, a significantly higher number of permanent teeth with caries was found in 9-year-olds (p = 0.019). Higher measurement values were obtained using Diagnodent on the permanent molars (p< 0.001). Between 8 and 9 year-olds and between males in general, fewer permanent molars were sealed, than between 6 and 7 year-olds (p <0.001) and females (p = 0.038). The KEP index of nine- year-olds was significantly higher than the KEP index of younger participants (p = 0.01). Conclusion: The results indicate that the children's oral health was worsening with age, and because of that there is a strong need for early preventive care.

oral health ; prevention ; children

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