Prevalence of Dental Caries among Sugar Factory Workers - A Cross Sectional Survey

Introduction: Workers in sugar factories are considered to be at high risk for dental caries which is attributed to chronic exposure to sugar dust. Aims: Aim of the survey was to assess the prevalence of dental caries among the sugar factory workers in Davangere district, Karnataka, India. Settings and Design: A cross sectional survey Methods and Material: Voluntary written informed consent was obtained from the study participants. Data pertaining demographic characteristics, oral habits, dietary habits was collected using pretested study Performa along with details of caries experience and oral hygiene status (Decayed Missing Filled Teeth - DMFT Index and Oral Hygiene Index Simplified- OHI S Index). Examiners were trained and calibrated for the recording of indices. Statistical analysis used: Mann Whitney U tests, Kruskal Wallis ANOVA and Linear regression analysis. Results: A total of 315 participants were screened and the prevalence of dental caries was 88.4% among study population with the mean DMFT 3.58 ± 2.94. There was no significant difference in the caries experience of two different sugar factory workers. The caries experience of lower /lower middle class (3.97± 3.23) was significantly higher than the middle/ upper class (p<0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of dental caries and mean DMFT was high among sugar factory workers in Davangere district. The caries experience was more among workers who brushed less frequently and had poor oral hygiene and who were engaged in pan chewing and alcohol consumption. The caries experience was significantly higher among low socio economic group compared to high and middle class groups.