[Tooth decay in school environment at Brazzaville (Congo)].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the frequency of dental caries and habits that can be the cause of this disease in Brazzaville.


METHODS
A prospective study was conducted in primary schools between February and May 2010. This study involved a sample of 307 students of both sexes, aged 4-15 years from school in the city of Brazzaville.


RESULTS
Prevalence of dental caries was 53.4% and the index of DMFT 2.06. Use of toothbrush was 99.4%. Two children (0.7%) brushed their teeth three times a day. There was a statistical link between regularity of brushing and occurrence of caries. The prevalence of caries was of 53% in children who brushed once a day and 12.8% in those who brushed twice a day. No decay was noted in those who brushed three times a day (p = 0.001). The DMFT was 2.06 in children who used non-fluoridated toothpaste and 1.13 in those who used the fluoridated toothpaste (p = 0.002).


CONCLUSIONS
To ensure students a better oral hygiene and healthier teeth, a module in oral health education in schools is one of the way to fight against this public health problem.
Sce Pédiatrie, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Brazzaville (CHU-B), République du Congo.
A R
AR
Okoko
G
G
Ekouyabowassa
E
E
Moyen
A P G
AP
Oko
L C Togho
LC
Abessou
A
A
Mbika-Cardorelle
H L
HL
Atanda
G M
GM
Moyen
D000293:Adolescent; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003223:Congo / Q000453:epidemiology; D004245:DMF Index; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005459:Fluorides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014100:Toothpastes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014504:Urban Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D014100:Toothpastes; D005459:Fluorides