Assessment of various components of oral health status in different population groups of Meerut division of Western U.P.: A pathfinder survey

Introduction: Oral conditions have an impact on the quality of life of children in different ways, not just functionally, but also psychologically and socially. The diagnosis of oral diseases is thus, an essential aspect of dental practice. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of dentofacial anomalies, dental fluorosis, dental trauma, oral mucosal lesions and dental erosion. Materials and Method: The study was carried out amongst 5, 12 and 15- year old residents of urban, semi-urban and rural population of Meerut division of Western U.P, INDIA. 2100 children were examined in the study. Data was recorded in a self-designed proforma. Recordings were done according to WHO basic methods -4th and 5thedition. The collected data was subjected to statistical analysis. Results:One way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. Severe/handicapping malocclusion was observed in 5.2% of the children examined. Prevalence of dental fluorosis was 47.5% and that of dental trauma was 5.38% with enamel-dentin fracture being the most common occurrence. Prevalence of oral mucosal lesion was 1.14% with ulceration and abscess being more common with 11% prevalence. However, dental erosion was absent in all the population groups examined. Conclusion:Malocclusion, dental fluorosis and dental trauma were found to be prevalent in the various population groups thereby emphasizing the need for regular conduct of oral health surveys and making appropriate strategies for prevention and prompt treatment.