Oral health status and treatment needs of Todas Aboriginals in Nilgiris (An Epidemiological study)
JV Bharateesh1, C.V.K. Reddy2 1 Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sri Siddhartha Dental College,Tumkur, India 2 Department of Public Health Dentistry, J.S.S. Dental College and Hospital Mysore, India
Correspondence Address:
Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None
Check
Objective: To asses the oral health status and treatment needs of Todas and to suggest measures for improving their oral health status.
Methods: A number of 441 Todas and 300 non Todas were examined .Examination was done in natural daylight using mouth mirror and CPITN probe in their natural habitats. Data was recorded in a printed WHO oral health assessment form (1986). Information about oral hygiene practices, diet and habits was also collected through interviews.
Results: The prevalence of dental caries was 53.9% in Todas and 59% in non Todas. The prevalence of periodontal diseases was 69.84% in Todas and 81% in non Todas (p < 0.05) which was statistically significant. The treatment needs of Todas was 80.2% and non Todas was 81.9%.There was no much difference observed in the oral hygiene practices among the Todas and non Todas.60% of Todas were found to have the habit snuff dipping which is unique to this population.