The prevalence and severity of dental caries in permanent molars amongst 8-10 years of children in Vadodara, Gujarat: An epidemiological study

Introduction: Oral diseases and traumatic injuries are serious public health problems, especially when talking about children. Mutilation of the function and reduced quality of life has an influence on individuals and communities. The most widespread oral disease in developing countries has been found to be dental caries. The maintenance of healthy permanent molars is very important. DMFT and PUFA index can be used to determine the caries status and severity in untreated carious teeth of an individual. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive survey that included 1380 children between the age group 8-10 years from public and private schools of Vadodara, Gujarat. The study population was divided based on their socioeconomic status as upper, middle and low according to the Kuppuswamy scale. The study was conducted 2 days per week for 6 months to examine the participants. Dental caries was assessed using DMFT index, and the severity of caries was evaluated by PUFA index for permanent first molars. Results: The prevalence of first permanent molar caries in Vadodara city was 55.38%; 747 out of 1380 children of 8-10 years of age were affected with caries evaluated using DMFT index. The severity of first permanent molar caries (PUFA index) was found to be 56.22%. That is, 420 out of 747 children had more severe first permanent molar caries. Conclusion: Caries prevalence and severity increase with age. PUFA index is an effective index in evaluating the clinical sequel of untreated carious teeth and helps better treatment plans for a socially deprived group of society.