Caries experience of young adults attending a tertiary health institution in Nigeria

Introduction: Dental caries is a public oral health problem and one of the major unmet needs in oral health amongst children and young population. This study sought to assess the caries experience as well as determine the significant risk indicators for caries among young adults attending a tertiary health institution in Nigeria. Method: A one year retrospective study of patients within the age group 20-40 years who visited the dental out-patient clinic of University of Benin Teaching Hospital. The data of interest retrieved from the files included demographics (Gender, Age, Marital Status and Occupation), presenting complaint, missing teeth, decayed teeth, filled teeth. All data collected was subjected to statistical analysis in form of frequencies, percentages, Mean, T-test, cross tabulations, logistic regression and chi square with level of significance set at 0.05 using Statistical Package of Social Sciences version 21.0. Results: A total of 1,803 patients’ records were used for the study. The caries prevalence in this study population was high (65.2%) with a mean DMFT score of 1.93±2.3.The mean DMFT for males was 1.75±2.02 while for females was 2.12±2.54 and this was statistically significant. Occupation and age were associated with caries experience. The tooth with the highest caries affectation was the first permanent molars. Conclusion:The caries prevalence in this study population was high; occupation and age were significant risk indicators for caries, while married young adults had a greater caries experience.