Determination of the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth Index in Iranian Students: A Case Study of Zahedan City

authors:

avatar Edris Bazrafshan 1 , avatar Hossein Kamani 2 , avatar Ferdos Kord Mostafapour 1 , avatar Amir Hossein Mahvi 4 , *

Health Promotion Research Center and School of Public Health, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, IR Iran
Schools of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, IR Iran
Institute of Health Research, Ministry of Health, IR Iran
Health Scope: Vol.1, issue 2; 84-88
published online: July 31, 2012
article type: Research Article
received: April 1, 2012
accepted: April 23, 2012
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5812/jhs.5120

how to cite: Bazrafshan E, Kamani H, Kord Mostafapour F, Mahvi A H. Determination of the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth Index in Iranian Students: A Case Study of Zahedan City. Health Scope. 2012;1(2): 84-88. https://doi.org/10.5812/jhs.5120.

Abstract

Background:

One of the most important health problems in life is dental caries or tooth decay. Untreated caries are painful and may affect diet, school attendance, and sleep. Tooth decay can also have significant negative health and social consequences in later life.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to determine the decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index in 8-12 year old students in Zahedan City and also to determine fluoride concentrations in drinking water in the studied area.

Patients and Methods:

This descriptive and cross-sectional study was performed in 2009 on 800 (400 boys and 400 girls) 8-12 year old students, who were randomly selected in Zahedan City (southeast of Iran) to assess the DMFT index. The DMFT index was determined using standard methods suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO) and drinking water fluoride concentration was measured in 144 samples collected from 12 desalination units using the SPADNS method. Data was analyzed using SPSS 15 software and presented as mean SD.

Results:

The mean DMFT value was 2.41 2.12, which was higher in the boys (2.68 2.15) in comparison with the girls (2.13 1.91). Of the subjects surveyed, 38.5% were healthy, with 42.5% of the girls and 63.75% of the boys. The mean fluoride concentration of the drinking water was 0.57 0.07 mg/L, which is less than the normal range (1.5 mg/L).

Conclusions:

According to the results of the present study, the DMFT scores in 8-12 year old students are higher than the global standards suggested by WHO. Results indicate that the availability of other sources of fluoride must also be considered and taken into account in public health dentistry planning programs.

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