DMFT Index in Adolescents of Rafsanjan: Assessing the Role of Oral Health Behaviors, Demographic Characteristics, and Family and Individual Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Oral health indices reflect untreated dental caries, which can adversely affect the physical and psychological well-being of individuals and their families. Objectives: This study examined oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), oral health behaviors (OHBs), family and individual impacts, and the DMFT index, as well as the associations among them. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 adolescents aged 11 - 14 years in Rafsanjan, Iran. Data were collected using validated Persian versions of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11 - 14), the Family Impact Scale (FIS), and an oral health behavior (OHB) checklist. The DMFT index was assessed clinically by trained dentists according to WHO criteria. Associations were examined using correlation analyses and multiple linear regression models. Results: The mean scores for CPQ, FIS, OHB, and DMFT were 14.05, 3.64, 16.56, and 2.12, respectively. DMFT was significantly correlated with FIS (r = 0.159; 95% CI, 0.05 - 0.26; P = 0.006) and functional limitations (r = 0.163; 95% CI, 0.06 - 0.27; P = 0.005), whereas OHB was negatively correlated with oral symptoms (r = -0.132; 95% CI, -0.23 to -0.02; P = 0.022). FIS was significantly associated with all OHRQoL dimensions. Higher DMFT scores were observed among adolescents whose fathers were employed in government positions (beta = 1.21; 95% CI, 0.18 - 2.24) and those aged ≥ 13 years (beta = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.15 - 1.17). Lower DMFT scores were associated with higher fluoride concentration (beta = -1.37; 95% CI, -1.90 to -0.84), paternal university education (beta = -1.33; 95% CI, -2.48 to -0.18), and four-member households (beta = -1.45; 95% CI, -2.55 to -0.35). Conclusions: Adolescent DMFT is influenced by household size, paternal occupation, and water fluoride concentration. Integrated public health measures, including optimal fluoride exposure and targeted education, are recommended.