The oral health status and health behaviour of 12 and 15 year-old adolescents in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Indonesia is a developing country with few dental services and a population at risk to deteriorating oral health. Five hundred and ninety-one 12 and 15 year-old children drawn from a low fluoride (F- less than 0.1 ppm) urban area of Jakarta, Indonesia were examined for dental caries, fluorosis, and periodontal diseases. In addition, a questionnaire was administered investigating socio-demographic background, use of dental services, and preventive oral care. Although the severity of dental caries experience was moderate, untreated caries on the occlusal surface formed the highest proportion of the dental caries experience. CPITN examination revealed a large proportion of the subjects had calculus as their highest score, combined with a substantial number of sites which exhibited bleeding on probing. Questionnaire data revealed a high home use of fluoridated toothpaste by the subjects but a predominant use of dental services for pain relief. Findings from this study suggest a need for primary preventive programmes focusing on occlusal sealants and plaque control.