Dental health situation in privileged children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Two hundred children 6-7 and 13-14 years of age from private schools in Addis Ababa were examined for oral deposits, periodontal condition, dental fluorosis, and dental caries. The findings indicated a higher level of both periodontal disease and dental carries in the privileged children than in previously surveyed nonprivileged children in Ethiopia. This difference was attributed to a higher sucrose intake in the privileged group. The findings may illustrate a dental health situation that will inevitably develop in Ethiopia with a continuous increase in the sucrose consumption.