Evaluation of caries experience among schoolchildren in Central African Republic

The Central African Republic, one of the world's most fragile nations with a critically human development index, is facing escalating rates of noncommunicable diseases, including oral diseases. This study aims to comprehensively assess the oral health status of schoolchildren in Bangui, the capital city. A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was conducted during November-December 2023 on 556 schoolchildren aged 5 to 13 years old, (41.5% female and 58.5% male). Data were collected under standardized conditions (using dental mirrors, CPI probes, and headlamps) and oral health status was assessed using WHO dmft/DMFT indices. A questionnaire captured socio-economic indicators, including sex, age, school, district, household composition, parental occupation, oral hygiene, and dietary habits. Logistic regression in STATA18^® identified determinants of caries experience (dmft/DMFT > 0). Schoolchildren in Bangui displayed a moderate prevalence of dental caries with a mean DMFT of 0.58 ± 1.3 and dmft of 1.92 ± 2.7. Females had lower odds of caries in deciduous teeth (OR 0.47 _95%CI 0.33, 0.67). Diverse breakfast diets reduced the risk (OR 0.58 _95%CI 0.42, 0.82), while snack consumption increased it (OR 1.41 _95%CI 1.10, 1.80). Females had a higher prevalence of caries in permanent teeth (OR 1.47 _95%CI 0.88, 2.25), and poor brushing correlated with increased caries prevalence (OR 1.33 _95%CI 0.97, 1.77). The study underscores the association between caries experience and modifiable behaviours, emphasizing the vulnerability of specific populations, such as males with high snack consumption. Targeted interventions addressing these behaviours could yield significant long-term benefits. The absence of dental treatment history raises concerns about the consequences of untreated dental diseases in children.