There has been no research on the prevalence of and factors associated with dental caries in rural southwestern Tanzania among schoolchildren. Determining the prevalence of and factors associated with dental caries will help to assess the need for dental intervention and prophylactic measures among children in the region. In February 2020, a cross-sectional study was conducted in the Wanging'ombe District of the Ilembula Ward. The data were collected through clinical examinations and personal interviews at two primary schools. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify potential risk indicators for caries. The study included 319 students aged 11-12 years (average 11.92 ± 0.27 years). The mean Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth index was 0.24 ± 0.68, and the mean Specific affected Caries Index was 1.66 ± 0.9. The greatest influences on the caries risk were poor oral hygiene (OR 8.05, 95% CI 0.49-133.23), low tooth brushing frequency (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.26-7.26) and low level of education in parents (OR 2.63, 95% CI 0.99-6.98). Dental caries was low among students in rural areas in the Wanging'ombe District.
Keywords: 12-year-olds; DMFT; SaC; Tanzania; primary schools; risk indicators for caries.