Prevalence of dental caries and risk assessment among primary school children of 6-12 years in the Varkala municipal area of Kerala.

This epidemiological survey attempted to establish the prevalence and severity of dental caries among primary school children of Varkala municipal area. The prevalence of dental caries was 68.5% with a standard error (SE) of 1.64% and 95%, confidence interval (CI) 65.18, 71.82. The highest caries prevalence was found among 10 year age group (75.9%) and lowest in the 8 year age group (63%). The highest dmft score was found in 9 year age group 2.73 +/- 0.443 and highest DMFT score was found in 12 year age group 2.06 +/- 0.3824. Statistically significant association was found with dental caries and oral hygiene status (Odds Ratio (OR) 3.59, 95% CI, 2.53, 5.06 and oral cleanliness OR 2.73, 95% CI 2.96, 3.82). Statistically significant association was found between low socioeconomic status and prevalence of caries (O.R. 1.89, 95% CI--1.28, 2.8).