Prevalence and socio-behavioral determinants of dental caries in Sicilian schoolchildren

Background: Epidemiological data revealed a marked decline in dental caries prevalence in schoolchildren of Western industrialized countries. In Italy this decline is not well documented, particularly for schoolchildren living in southern Italy. This study investigated the prevalence of caries in schoolchildren in the city of Palermo, Sicily, and assessed the relationship between socio-behavioral determinants and caries. Material/Methods: A sample of 511 schoolchildren, 153 aged 5 (29.94%) and 358 aged 12 (70.06%), was selected using the cluster sampling technique from a stratified population. The World Health Organization caries diagnostic criteria for Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth and…