ASSESSMENT OF UNTREATED DENTAL CARIES USING PUFA INDEX IN CHILDREN OF CHENNAI- A CROSS-SECTIONAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Young permanent teeth are often sensitive to dental caries among children which still continues to be the most common childhood disease worldwide, despite improvements in oral health. The aim of this study was to assess the untreated dental caries using the PUFA index among children of age between 6-17 years. A cross sectional survey study of 150 subjects to determine the untreated dental caries using PUFA index was carried out. The investigation was done to find the prevalence of PUFA among the school children in Chennai and to find out if there is any association with age and gender. Pearson Chi - square test was the statistical test used in this study to find the correlation. Among the 150 subjects, 50 were boys (33.33%) and 100 were girls (66.67%); Age 6-10 years (72.67%), Age 11-14 years (24.67%), Age 15-17 years (2.67%); „p‟ component of PUFA score prevalence (76%). Thus based on analysis it was found that the overall prevalence rate of PUFA score was 76% and „p‟ component was the only component prevalent in our study population. There was no statistically significant association observed between any variables.