Using DMFT and CPI Scores as Indicators of Oral Health Status of Orphan Children Residing in Selected Orphanages in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: DMFT (Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth) score helps us measure the dental caries situation/ status, while CPI (Community Periodontal Index) score is a standard tool for screening periodontal disease. Objective: To assess oral health status of orphan children residing in selected orphanages in Dhaka City, Bangladesh, using DMFT and CPI scores. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among conveniently selected 371 orphan children in Dhaka City, Bangladesh, between January and December of 2023. Dental examination included observation of all permanent teeth with a metallic periodontal probe i.e., CPI probe and a plane mouth mirror under adequate illumination. Results: The mean age of the participants was 10.96±2.52 years. 87.33% were boys and 12.67% were girls; male-female ratio was 6.9:1. Among the respondents, 96% were Muslims. 46.6% of the participants were from class-I to class-IV, while 41.5% were from class-V to class-VIII. 48% of them were from urban area, while 45% were from rural area; however, 7% did not know anything about their home district. 48.5% of the children’s duration of stay in the orphanage was less than 2 years, while 35% of them were staying in the orphanage between 2 and 5 years. On clinical examination, most of the respondents were diagnosed with dental caries (59.3%), while 68.5% children had no wiggling teeth and 7.5% of them had one or more filled teeth in their oral cavity. Only 34% children had ‘no decayed, missing or filled teeth’ (DMFT score 0). 44.7% children had DMFT score 1 to 3, which indicates moderate dental problems, while 21.3% had DMFT score >3, which indicates severe dental problems. 91.6% respondents had normal gingival condition, while 7% had slight change in colour but no bleeding on probing. Only 0.8% had periodontal pocket 4-5 mm (CPI score 3), while 22.1% were diagnosed with presence of calculus in their oral cavity (CPI score 2). 42.3% respondents had gum bleeding (CPI score 1), and 34.8% had healthy gingiva (CPI score 0). A significant association was observed between age of the respondents and their DMFT score (p=0.001). Conclusion: Children residing in orphanages are marginalized population having an unmet oral health need. Implementation of targeted health education and prevention programs through proactive oral care approach must be in place to allow access to oral healthcare along with early detection and intervention.

International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 09 No. 02 Apr’25 Page: 125-130