[Prevalence of dental caries in children in a basic health zone. 5 years later].
OBJECTIVE
To find the state of dental health among the school population five years after the first study, performed in 1991.


METHODS
An epidemiological observation cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Primary Care.


METHODS
820 school-children coming from seven local schools and belonging to first (5-7 years old), fifth (9-12) and eighth (13-16) grade Primary Education in the academic year 1995-1996.


RESULTS
A dentist checked the children, following WHO norms. The prevalence of caries was studied (95.86 at 6 years old). The CAOD Index rose from 1.22 in boys and 1.84 in girls in first grade to 13.94 in boys and 13.81 in girls in eighth grade. The CAOS rose from 1.55 in boys and 2.55 in girls in first grade to 19.98 in boys and 20.15 in girls in the eighth grade. The CEOD fell from 5.19 in boys and 5.69 in girls in first grade to 1.32 in boys and 0.97 in girls in eighth grade. The index of restoration of permanent teeth was 5.50% in boys and 9.85% in girls in the eighth grade. 40.97% of 13 or 14-year olds suffered tooth-ache. 40.32% of eighth-graders brushed their teeth occasionally.


CONCLUSIONS
The indices of caries, which were higher than in other areas of Spain, remained the same or even increased slightly five years later, which makes it urgent to take preventive measures in the schools.
Padilla Benítez
F M
FM
Centro de Salud de Chipiona Tolosa Latour, Cádiz.
D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004245:DMF Index; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009911:Oral Hygiene Index; D015995:Prevalence; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology