PATTERN OF DENTAL DISEASES AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT OF DENTAL: A HOSPITAL BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: The public health problems associated with oral disease are a serious burden in India and other countries of the world. The causes of oral diseases are primarily rooted in poor socioeconomic and physical environment; unhealthy lifestyles and oral health related behaviour accordingly the action towards improvement of oral health should be directed towards modification of unhealthy environment and behaviours.

Objective: To know the pattern of dental diseases among the patients attending Dental OPD.

Materials and Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study among patients attending dental OPD in a tertiary care centre of Kumaun region during a period of one year i.e. from 1^st January 2012 to 31^st December 2012.

Results: A total of 8928 patients attended dental OPD. Majority of the patients (25.3%) were in the age group 30-39 years. Mostly were males (51.54%). Most common disease was dental caries (54.54%), followed by gingivitis (37.62%), abrasion (3.82%), malocclusion (3.05%), pericoronitis (0.53%) and jaw fracture (0.44%).

Conclusion: Dental Caries was the most common disease. Majority of the patients were in 30-39 years of age group. Health education and awareness at school level and in the community might prevent tooth loss in later life.