Determinants of Dental Caries Experience Among Adolescents in Kazakhstan: A Cross-Sectional Study

The aim of the present study was to estimate the mean, prevalence, and severity of dental caries, and to identify the factors associated with these characteristics in a population of school-aged children from four regions in Kazakhstan. A total of 2,149 school children aged 11-15 years from four regions of Kazakhstan were examined; the overall response rate was 68%. Results from dental examinations and standardized questionnaires were used to gather sociodemographic and oral health behavior information. The overall prevalence of dental caries was 74%, and obviously decayed teeth were found in 44% of the participants; only 6% had missing teeth and 24% had their teeth treated. Age, region, ethnicity, dietary habits, and dental attendance pattern were found to be significantly associated with the predicted degree of caries experience among those with caries experience. The high prevalence of dental caries might be related to rapid westernization in Kazakhstan and associated nutritional transition. Moreover, an increased burden of untreated caries in less advantaged populations was observed. Parental education and material deprivation may be very important determinants of oral health among adolescents in Kazakhstan.