Prevalence of Dental Caries and Related Factors among Patients Attending Dental Clinics in Dentistry Department - Hilla University College, Iraq

Background: Dental caries is the most common dental health problem caused by bacteria that affecting the teeth of huge population worldwide. Many factors are contribute in the prevalence and evolution of caries, such as standard of living, behavior, hygiene, eating habits, social status and socio-demographic factors. Aim: This study aimed to determine and assess the prevalence, frequency and pattern of dental caries and associated factors among patients attending the dental clinics in dentistry department - Hilla University College, Babylon, Iraq. Method: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 924 systematically selected patients attending dental clinics in Dentistry Department - Hilla University College, Babylon, Iraq from Oct./2021 to Apr./2022. The data were collected using pre-tested questionnaire form and oral examination by a qualified dental professional basic hygienic procedures were applied during an oral examination. Results: A total of 924 patients affected with dental caries that were being more in females nearly two-thirds 578 (62.6 %) and in males nearly one-thirds 346 (37.4 % ). Dental caries was lower among respondents who had good oral hygiene status, non- smokers, with blood group AB. Dental caries was higher among respondents rural than urban. Conclusions: Prevalence of dental caries was high and found as public health problem. Socioeconomic status, educational level, and poor oral hygiene practices were associated factors for dental caries. Health promotion about oral hygiene and integration of services are supremely important for the prevention of the problem of dental caries. Smokers patients, who taking sweets, antibiotics and corticosteroids are among the higher cases.