Caries risk profiles of rural and urban 12 year old school children in mangalore using the cariogram

Objectives: This study aimed at determining caries risk profiles of rural and urban 12 years old school children in Mangalore using the Cariogram. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100, 12 year old school children in Mangalore. Random sampling technique was employed for sample selection. Data collected from the participants comprised of demographic details, oral hygiene practices, medical history and a 3-day diet diary. Clinical examination was done to determine dental caries experience using the WHO Oral Health Assessment proforma 1997. Results: In the permanent dentition 60% of the participants had dental caries, whereas 40% of the participants were caries-free. Based on the Cariogram scores, students were classified into four groups High risk (0- 40%), Moderate risk (40-60%), low risk (60-80%) and very low risk (80-100%). Mean scores obtained for each category were 33.75 ± 5.82, 52.44 ± 4.69, 68.11 ± 3.818, 86.03 ± 1.81. None of the participants from urban area were in high-risk group, whereas 12% of the rural participants were in the high-risk group. Mean score obtained for urban and rural area were 73.48 ± 15.39 and 58.08 ± 18.94 respectively. The difference in the mean was statistically significant (p <0.001). Conclusion: The rural population had a higher risk of developing dental caries as compared to the urban population.