Caries Prevalence and Caries Experience (ICDAS II Criteria) of 5-, 12- and 15-year-old Greek Children in Relation to Socio-demographic Risk Indicators. Trends at the National Level in a Period of a Decade

Purpose: To study the caries status of 5, 12 and 15-year-old Greek children, assess how disease parameters are related to socio-demographic indicators and identify relevant trends at the national level.

Methods: A stratified cluster sample of 3702 children in total was randomly selected and examined clinically for caries (ICDAS II criteria). Caries experience was outlined by adapting ICDAS criteria to the d/D component of the WHO dmf/DMF index configuration. Percentages (%) of caries experience-free children, of children with initial caries (ICDAS), and the mean dt/DT, dmft/DMFT and dmfs/DMFS indices were calculated. The probability of presenting with dt/DT ≥ 1 was assessed by binary logistic regression analysis, whereas negative binomial regression models examined the effect of socio-demographic parameters on dmfs/DMFS indices (level of significance: p ≤ 0.05).

Results: 60.1%, 48.1%, and 34.7% of the 5, 12, and 15-year-old children, respectively, had no caries experience at the defect level (dmft/DMFT = 0). Initial lesions (ICDAS) were detected in 17.7%, 19.3% and 17.4% of the 5, 12 and 15-year-olds, accordingly. Mean dt/DT was 0.93, 1.70, and 2.51, whereas mean dmft/DMFT was 1.48, 1.61, and 2.46 for the 5, 12, and 15-year-olds, respectively. Children with higher educated parents and 15-year-old urban residents exhibited significantly less caries experience at the defect level. Initial caries lesions presented a significantly higher probability of being detected in urban-residing 5- and 15-year-olds, while no consistent trend could be identified for parental education level. Caries prevalence and experience levels declined for all age groups in ten years.

Conclusion: Although the dental health of Greek children has improved disparities remain, calling for organised primary and secondary preventive interventions.