Epidemiology of Dental Caries in Aurangabad District: A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Dental caries is the most common chronic contagious disease widely prevalent globally but the distribution and severity of dental caries varies across countries and regions. Dental caries is the most prevalent of oral diseases. It has a very high morbidity potential that brought this disease into the main focus of the oral health profession. It affects both the sexes, various races, all socioeconomic status and multiple age groups. It not only causes pain and discomfort, but also in addition, will cause economic expenditure to the person. The prevention of dental caries has long been considered as an important task for the dental health profession. To have a look on the same problem in Marathwada region of Maharashtra, a cross sectional study was carried out to see the prevalence of dental caries in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. Materials and Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 2400 subjects in Aurangabad district, being the capital of Marathwada region by Rural Health And Training Center, Paithan under Govt Medical College, Aurangabad. The standard pro-forma was designed and house to house survey was conducted over a period of June 1993 to March 1994. Mouth mirrors, caries explorers and periodontal probes were used for oral examination with proper aseptic precautions. All the findings were recorded in the data sheet after thorough examination. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were applied. Results: The prevalence of Dental Caries in Aurangabad district was found to be 63.5%. Conclusion: Dental caries, though preventable, is the most prevalent oral condition which can detrimentally affect different demographic groups. More campaigns and programs need to be done in order to raise awareness regarding the oral hygiene and to decrease the prevalence of dental caries in community