Prevalence and severity of dental caries and oral hygiene status in rural and urban areas of Calcutta.

A study was carried out in urban Calcutta and rural Belur (outskirts of Calcutta) amongst 9600 children in the age group of 6 to 14 years. It was seen that the prevalence and severity of dental caries was higher among children in urban areas whereas the oral hygiene levels were poorer among children in rural areas. It was also observed that rate of dental caries increased with age. Organised efforts are a must to prevent and control dental caries before it takes its toll with disastrous results.