The Prevalence of Tooth Decay Among School-Aged Children in Saudi Arabia

The Prevalence of Tooth Decay Among School-Aged Children in Saudi Arabia

Recent national reports have shown that more and more school-aged children in Saudi Arabia are having problems with tooth decay. To address this concern, we needed to gather data from schools across the country. This study examined 1,134,317 Saudi children in the 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th grades to assess the prevalence of tooth decay and its potential association with weight.

What did we do?

Children's height and weight were measured, and their teeth were checked to see if there was an association between weight and tooth decay. Various tests were used to analyze the collected data.

What did we find?

• Prevalence: 24.20% of Saudi children had tooth decay.
• Risk factors: Significant factors included being female, attending primary school, living in the Eastern region, and being underweight.

What does this mean?

We learned that tooth decay is a major issue among underweight children, girls, and those who live in rural areas or the eastern regions of Saudi Arabia. To solve this problem, we should investigate why children do not visit their dentists regularly. In addition, encouraging parents of at-risk children to prioritize dental check-ups can help address this issue.