PREVALENCE OF DENTAL CARIES AMONG STUDENTS OF LIAQUAT UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES: THE IMPACT OF ORAL HYGIENE PRACTICES

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dental caries and its association with oral hygiene practices among students of Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 undergraduate students aged 18-26 years, selected through stratified random sampling from various faculties of LUMHS. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, dietary habits, oral hygiene practices, and dental visitation frequency were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from WHO Oral Health Survey methods. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS: The overall prevalence of dental caries was 58.5%. Caries prevalence was significantly higher among students who brushed less than twice daily (p < 0.001), consumed sugar-sweetened beverages daily (p = 0.002), and used non-fluoridated toothpaste (p = 0.03). Regular dental visits and fluoride use were associated with lower caries prevalence (p < 0.05). Multivariate regression revealed that infrequent brushing (AOR 2.6, 95% CI: 1.5–4.2) and high sugary drink intake (AOR 2.3, 95% CI: 1.4-3.8) independently predicted caries occurrence.

CONCLUSION: The findings underscore the high prevalence of dental caries among university students, strongly influenced by modifiable factors such as oral hygiene habits and diet.