DMFT index of patients in the COVID-19 normalization period in Turkey

Abstract

Background: During the 2019-nCoV pandemic, many health institutions stopped providing services, thus causing disruptions in the health system. This study aimed to examine the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index of individuals during the post-pandemic normalization period. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 640 adult patients aged more than 18 years, who applied to Health Science University Gulhane Faculty of Dentistry for dental treatment between July 20, 2021, and December 31, 2021. The information forms were filled by the dentist of the patients during their first examination, which included the demographic data of the patients (age, sex, educational status, occupation, and income status), oral hygiene habits of the patients (patients’ frequency of tooth brushing, floss use, and mouthwash use) and frequency of going to the dentist. In addition, the patients were examined by the same dentist using only mirrors and probes, and their DMFT index data (number of decayed, missing and filled teeth) were recorded. The data obtained from the study were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (P<0.05). Results: The mean age of the individuals participating in this study was 40.94±22.89 years, and the DMFT index was 10.38±5.47. When the DMFT index was examined according to age ranges, the lowest DMFT index was in the 18–30 years (6.15±3.5) (P<0.05). The group that used daily brushing, flossing, and mouthwash showed the lowest DMFT ratio of 6.56±3.75. Conclusion: This study showed that the group that used tooth brushing, flossing, and mouthwash had the lowest DMFT index when health services were disrupted, such as during the pandemic period.