Assessment of caries status among schoolchildren according to decayed-missing-filled teeth/decayed-extract-filled teeth index, International Caries Detection and Assessment System, and Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment criteria.

BACKGROUND: Detection and evaluation of dental caries is of epidemiological importance. Its early detection is important to commence appropriate treatment planning. Cavitated, noncavitated, and initial lesions of dental caries can be detected by various indices.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to assess the caries experience in schoolchildren using decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT)/decayed-extracted-filled teeth (deft), International Caries Detection and Assessment System-II (ICDAS-II), and Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST) systems.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: An epidemiological survey was carried out among 1550 schoolchildren (37,644 teeth) between the age ranges of 4 and 14 years. American Dental Association type III examination was performed using plane mouth mirrors and community periodontal index probes using DMFT/deft, ICDAS II, and CAST indices.

RESULTS: Out of 37,644 teeth examined, 2,718 teeth had shown caries. Caries experience with DMFT/deft index was 5.54%. Highest score of DMFT was observed in deciduous dentition period (59.02%). Overall prevalence of dental caries with ICDAS and CAST system was 6.7% and 6.95%, respectively. The highest percentage of noncavitated lesions (ICDAS - 2.26% and CAST - 3.9%) and greater prevalence of caries among deciduous teeth (ICDAS - 53.2% and CAST - 58.7%) was observed with both ICDAS and CAST systems.

CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of noncavitated lesions and less number of sealants and restorations indicates the lack of awareness for prevention and treatment of oral diseases, which suggests a strong need for preventive and operative treatments.