مشروع البحث: Prevalence of Dental Caries Among Primary School Children in Gharyan Area Due to Bacterial Infection
تحميل...
المساهمين
الممولين
رقم التعريف
2-1
الباحث
هبة الهادي الفرجاني
الوصف
Dental caries is a highly prevalent chronic oral disease affecting children worldwide. In Libya, there is limited data regarding the oral health status of school-aged children, particularly in the Gharyan area. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of dental caries among primary school children in Gharyan and to investigate behavioral, dietary, and microbial factors contributing to its occurrence. A cross-sectional study was conducted among primary school children in Gharyan. Data on oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, dental visit history, and family/teacher observations were collected using structured questionnaires. Clinical examination assessed the presence of dental caries, enamel discoloration, and oral pain. Saliva and plaque samples were collected for microbial analysis to isolate cariogenic and opportunistic bacteria. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, logistic regression, and linear regression to evaluate associations between oral behaviors, bacterial colonization, and caries prevalence. Among the 100 children studied, 66% were diagnosed with dental caries. Daily tooth brushing and regular dental floss use were significantly associated with lower bacterial colonization and reduced caries prevalence (p < 0.05). Frequent sugar intake (>3 times/day) was linked to higher bacterial infection rates (80%) and increased caries prevalence (p = 0.010). Streptococcus mutans was the predominant bacterium (26%) and the strongest predictor of dental caries (OR = 7.03, 95% CI: 2.10–23.5, p = 0.001). Mixed growth of S. mutans and Candida spp. also significantly increased caries risk (OR = 5.60, p = 0.011). Children who had never visited a dentist or had irregular dental visits exhibited higher bacterial colonization and caries prevalence. Family and teacher observations confirmed high rates of tooth pain (44%) and enamel discoloration (76%). The study demonstrates that dental caries among Gharyan schoolchildren is multifactorial, driven by poor oral hygiene, frequent sugar consumption, limited dental care access, and colonization by cariogenic bacteria, especially S. mutans. Regular preventive behaviors—including twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, dietary control, and routine dental visits—are strongly associated with reduced bacterial colonization and caries prevalence. Mixed bacterial-fungal biofilms may further exacerbate caries progression.Dental caries is highly prevalent among primary school children in Gharyan, and its development is influenced by behavioral, dietary, and microbial factors. Comprehensive preventive strategies targeting oral hygiene, diet, bacterial colonization, and access to professional dental care are essential to reduce caries prevalence and improve oral health outcomes in this population.
الكلمات الدالة
Prevalence of Dental Caries Among Primary School Children in Gharyan Area Due to Bacterial Infection