Abstract
The aims of the present study is to determine dental caries
experience, prevalence and severity in a group of 13–15 years
olds. Materials and Methods: A random sample of 516
intermediate school students were examined and dental caries
was recorded by DMFT values. Also, the significant caries
index, care and treatment need indices were used. Results:
Mean DMFT values for the total sample was 5.17 with a
statistically significant age difference, females tended to have
more caries than males with significant gender difference. The
significant caries index was 7.98, care index which shows the
restorative care was 10.39. Discussion: There has been an
increase in dental caries prevalence and severity in Mosul
compared with a previous study that was undertaken during
the United Nations’ sanctions on Iraq, due to the availability
and relative cheapness of sugars and confectionaries after
2003. Conclusions: To improve children’s oral health,
community school–based oral health educational programs
should be established starting from primary and extending to
intermediate schools, stressing on sugar restriction and oral
hygiene measures, fissure sealants and fluorides can also be
used effectively.
