RT - Journal TY - JOUR A1 - Subramani, Prabhu A1 - Mickey, AJ T1 - Prevalence of dental caries among 5 & 12 years old children - A retrospective data analysis YR - 2019/7/1 JF - International Journal of Community Dentistry JO - Int J Community Dent SP - 39 OP - 41 VO - 7 IS - 2 UL - https://www.ijcommdent.com/article.asp?issn=2589-8388;year=2019;volume=7;issue=2;spage=39;epage=41;aulast=Subramani;t=5 DO - 10.4103/ijcd.ijcd_8_19 N2 - Background: Dental caries is an important social problem in India and is predominantly a disease of childhood. While there has been a great decline of caries incidence in high-income countries, the middle- and low-income countries suffer a high rate of incidence. It is due to the increasing consumption of refined carbohydrates, poor oral hygiene, and lack of dental awareness. This study aimed at the prevalence of dental caries among 5- and 12-year-old children in Tirukalukundram Taluk. Materials and Methods: A retrospective data analysis was performed with the data collected from the government school students in Tirukalukundram Taluk in 2018–2019. Registers containing data were screened for dental caries. Results: Among 515 study participants, 291 were male and 224 were female. The prevalence of dental caries is high among male compared to female children. Conclusion: The prevalence of dental caries is high in 5-year-old children than 12–year-old children. The filled component is nil in 5-year-old children. This clearly illustrates the utilization pattern of dental care services by the children. Hence, efforts should be taken to educate the rural people and government schoolchildren on oral hygiene and its maintenance. ER -