Social Predictors of DMFT Index among Adults an Iranian Population in 2016: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background & objectives:

 Oral health is an indicator of the whole body that affects individuals' mental and functional aspects. Deterioration of oral health is one of the most critical challenges facing health policies, and improving social factors is one of the ways to overcome this problem. This study aimed to investigate the socioeconomic factors affecting DMFT in adults in Shahdiyeh in a cohort study in 1395.

 This study was based on the cohort protocol of Shahedieh Yazd and was performed on adults aged 35-70 years. Socioeconomic variables were extracted from the relevant questionnaire, and their relationship with the DMFT index was examined.

 The mean age is 48.48. The average DMFT is 19.77, and the marital status is not related to the DMFT index, but there is a significant relationship with the number of decayed teeth. The lowest DMFT index is in the group with a Ph.D. level. Brushing has a meaningful and direct association with the DMFT index. The highest average number of restored teeth was found in the group with high salt intake, and the DMFT index has a significant relationship with the frequency of dental floss.

 Dental caries is a multifactorial illness with many factors affecting it. However, the role of education and socioeconomic status as factors influencing oral and dental health as the main factor in reducing this disease is fundamental and directly increases the level of awareness, attitude, and practice of individuals and subsequently improves the situation of oral hygiene.