PREVALENCE OF DENTAL CARIES AMONG SCHOOLCHILDREN OF CHON ALAI DISTRICT OF THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC

Background: The worldwide decrease in dental caries prevalence during recent decades has not included sufficient research on rural high-altitude populations from Central Asia. The burden of dental caries among schoolchildren in geographically isolated mountainous regions of Kyrgyzstan remains poorly documented because socioeconomic constraints and dietary habits and healthcare access disparities may increase disease risk. This research examines the dental caries epidemiological patterns together with their changeable risk factors among schoolchildren in the unexplored rural highlands of southern Kyrgyzstan. Research methods: The study included 413 students from Myrzakulov Secondary School located in Chon Alai District of Osh Region. The researchers obtained demographic information along with ethnic background and behavioral data through anonymous structured questionnaires that assessed oral health knowledge and attitudes and practices. The analysis of caries prevalence (percentage affected) and intensity (dft/DMFT indices) used descriptive statistics and logistic regression methods. Results: The prevalence of caries in deciduous and permanent dentition was 94.2% and 95.5%, respectively. The prevalence of caries in permanent teeth was 77.7% among children aged 8–17 years. The dft score of 6-year-olds was 6.25 ± 1.4 and the DMFT index of 12-year-olds was 4.81 ± 0.79, which indicates a subcompensated caries intensity level. The proportion of restored teeth (f-component) was found to be low in all age groups. Conclusion: The dental caries prevalence among rural Kyrgyz highland schoolchildren reaches concerning levels in their primary and permanent teeth. The results demonstrate the need to strengthen school-based preventive programs and implement oral health education to reduce sugar consumption and extend restorative dental services to underprivileged areas.