Change in dental caries status over 2 years in children of Panchkula, Haryana: A longitudinal study

BACKGROUND: Despite credible scientific advances and the fact that it is preventable, dental caries continues to be a major public health problem in developing countries like India. The first step toward disease prevention at community level is assessment of the disease activity. AIM: Hence this study was conducted to evaluate the change in dental caries status over 2 years in children of Panchkula, Haryana. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 207 school children having mixed dentition (age 7-8 years) and 103 children (age 12-13 years) were assessed for change in their dmf/DMF status over 2 years. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Results revealed that 81% of 7-8-year-old children and 83 % 12-13-year-olds had caries. There was a statistically significant increase in DMFT score of children over 2 years; thus necessitating implementation of rigorous preventive strategies at community level.