Deciduous and permanent dental caries status among primary schoolchildren of Libya: A cross-sectional study

Aim: to assess prevalence and severity of dental caries (DMFT for permanent dentition dmft primary dentition) among Libyan children. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study including a random sample 372 children was conducted in Benghazi. Experience assessed by decayed, missing, filled teeth DMFT indices using WHO criteria diagnosing caries. The data were entered managed SPSS software version 25. Descriptive analysis the frequencies, percentages means school-children's missing components performed. Results: Overall 86.6%. mean 0.86 2.78 all subjects amongst which major contributor decayed component. Considering only with experience (322), 1.00 3.21, respectively. Higher scores observed than experience. For DMFT, Decay index 89.5%, Missing 3.5% Care 6.7%. dmft, 89.9%, 7.9% 2.1%. Conclusions: Caries high considering World Health Organization future oral health goals. Although is high, unacceptably low. findings stress on need treat at initial stages development preventive approaches. Providing implementing educational programs controlling are necessary.