Prevalence of Root Caries in South Canara Population

Aim: Aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of root caries and associated risk factors among South Canara population.

Place of Study: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Deralakatte, Mangaluru and rural satellite centres.

Duration of Study: MAY 15 2018- JUNE 15 2018 (1 month).

Methodology: 2000 patients were examined for root caries using mouth mirror and explorer under good lighting facilities, followed by a questionnaire to determinethe prevalence of root cariesand associated risks in South Canara Population.

Statistical Analysis: Data obtained was statistically analysed by using IBM SBSS version 24. Differences between variables were analysed by Chi-square test.

Results and Conclusion: Root caries were diagnosed in 7.4% of the patients examined. Root caries was more common in males (63.51%), in the age group of more than 60 years (56.76%) and in the rural population (62.16%). Oral hygiene and diet were also found to be closely associated with root caries. Molars were most affected and mandibular teeth weremore frequently involved with root caries than teeth in the maxilla.