Coronal caries experience in dentate Jordanian adults.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the coronal caries experience and associated risk indicators among a sample of Jordanian adults.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

A random sample of 1,096 dentate Jordanian adults in Irbid region were interviewed and clinically examined for coronal caries using the DMFS index. Descriptive summary statistics, bivariate, and regression analyses were employed.

RESULTS

Findings revealed that the mean numbers of coronal decayed surfaces (DS), missing surfaces because of caries (MS), filled surfaces (FS), decayed and filled surfaces (DFS) and DMFS were 6.3, 20.6, 8.0, 14.3 and 34.9 respectively. All subjects had coronal caries experience and 93% had untreated lesions. Subjects of older age, with less education, urban residence, lower incomes, no dental insurance, a smoking habit and irregular oral hygiene practices had a significantly higher coronal caries experience (p < 0.05). Age, income, education, residence, smoking, brushing and flossing collectively explained 45% of the variance for the mean number of coronal DMFS.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided useful information on the coronal caries status of Jordanian adults. Modifications of several social factors could potentially reduce coronal DMFS, to improve oral health status and function in adults.