Results: Caries prevalence for 5–6 –year-old was above the goals recommended by WHO and Federation of
Dentistry international (FDI) of less than 50% caries free children. Caries prevalence in 5-6-year-olds was 52% and
12-13-year-olds was 41%. The mean dmft/DMFT score of 5–6 –year-olds and 12 -13-year -olds was 1.59, 0.31 and
0.52, 0.84 respectively. The DMFT scores increased with age and the d/D component constituted almost the entire
dmft/DMFT index. About 31% of 8-16-year-olds school children who participated in the survey reported having
suffered from oral pain. Further, the need for treatment of decayed teeth was reported at 100%. About 76%
children perceived teeth as an important component of general health and 75% reported it was required to eat. A
total 93% children never visited a dentist or a health care service. Out of 56% children reporting cleaning their
teeth daily, only 24% reported brushing their teeth twice daily. About 86% of the children reported using
toothbrush and toothpaste to clean their teeth. Although 61% children reported to have received oral health
education, 82% children did not know about fluoride and its benefit on dental health. About 50% children reported
bacteria as the main cause of tooth decay and 23% as not brushing teeth for gingivitis. Frequency of sugar
exposure was low; 75% of children reported eating sugar rich food once daily.
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