Dental health status and risk factors for dental caries in adults in Istanbul, Turkey.

The aim this study was to record the oral health in adults in Istanbul, Turkey, and to evaluate the risk indicators associated with a high significant caries index (SiC). A random sample of 2183 individuals in Bayrampasa district aged between 18 and 74 years were invited for a free dental examination and interview. The mean decayed, missing and filled teeth index (DMFT) was 11.44 and the SiC was 14.00, increasing from 6.00 for the age group 18-19 years to 15.32 at 33-44 years and 28.00 at 65-74 years. Logistic regression analysis showed that older age, female sex and rural origin of birth were the significant risk indicators for a high SiC index.