Dental Caries Status and Its Determinants among 12-Year-Olds

Authors

  • Hanan Fadhil Alautry Wasit University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/d3000.2026.1510

Keywords:

Dental Caries, Socioeconomic Status, Diet, Dental Plaque

Abstract

To evaluate the prevalence and severity of dental caries and to observe the variables associated with dental caries among Iraqi adolescents aged 12 years. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 504 adolescents aged 12 years in Kut city, Iraq, from November 2025 to April 2026. Background about the adolescents was captured using a questionnaire that covered demographic characteristics and oral health-related behaviours. Additionally, a clinical dental examination incorporated assessment of decayed, missing, and filled teeth and surfaces (DMFT, DMFS) and the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) based on the criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO). The statistical analysis comprised the Chi-square test, ANOVA test, an independent sample t test, and simple and multiple logistic regressions. The caries prevalence and the mean of DMFT among the adolescents were 74% and 1.92 (±1.74), respectively. Multiple logistic regression indicated that lower maternal education level (OR=3.83, 95% CI: 2.21 to 5.65), never toothbrushing practice (OR=2.98, 95% CI: 1.67 to 5.14), and fair oral hygiene (OR=3.23, 95% CI: 1.45 to 7.20) were positively associated with the prevalence of dental caries among the adolescents. Dental caries was highly prevalent, whereas good levels of oral health behaviors were low in adolescents in this investigation. Maternal educational level, toothbrushing frequency, and oral hygiene conditions were associated with dental caries.

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Published

2026-08-14

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Adults & the Elderly

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Hanan Fadhil Alautry

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