Oral Health in Kuwait Before the Gulf War

Objective: The aim of this oral health survey was to determine the oral health status and oral health behavior in the whole population in Kuwait. This survey was part of the Kuwait Health Survey, which was conducted by the Ministry of Public Health. The original data were destroyed during the Gulf War (1990/1991), but the aim of this report is to publish the main findings concerning oral health and related factors.

Methodology: The data were collected between April 1984 and April 1985. The sample consisted of 3,358 households and 26,530 individuals. The survey consisted of interviews and clinical examinations (> 12-year-olds). WHO (1977) criteria were used for examinations.

Results: Females were more often brushing their teeth at least once a day than males and non-Kuwaitis slightly more often than Kuwaitis. Over one third (39%) had visited a dentist during the previous 12 months. The proportion of subjects with soft deposit was 66%, calculus 45%, intensive gingivitis 46% and advanced periodontitis 18%. The caries experience was prevalent (52%) in primary dentition (< 8-year-olds) and in permanent dentition, highest (95%) among the 60- to 64-year-olds.

Conclusion: Preventive programs for periodontal diseases and for dental caries are urgently needed. The coverage of curative care of both diseases also needs to be improved. Health behavior improvement should be targeted by oral health promotion activities.