A study to assess the oral health status and treatment needs of fishermen population in coastal region of Andhra

The study was conducted in Vodarevu coastal village of Prakasam district of Andhra was selected by multistage sampling method. All the available 158 fishermen were examined with their consent. The oral health status was recorded on the WHO oral health assessment form 1991 (modified) and the examination was carried out under natural light by using mouth mirrors and CPI probe. Significant observation was that (35.6%) of the fishermen had oral mucosal lesions. The prevalence of dental caries high among fishermen (58.2%). The different stage of periodontal disease was higher among the fishermen (90.5%). Oral health status of fishermen was relatively poor with high caries prevalence (58.2%) poor periodontal health (90.5%) and high prevalence of oral mucosal lesions (35.6%). High prevalence of dental caries may be due do their high sweet consumption (80.4%) and poor oral hygiene practice (20.3%). High gutka (27.2%) and pan chewing habits (31%) might be the reason for higher oral mucosal lesions.