Factors contributing to the increased prevalence of dental caries among residents of Nabweru South Ward in Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District. A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background:

Dental caries is one of the oral health problems that causes the destruction of the hard parts of a tooth by the interaction of bacteria and fermentable carbohydrates. The aim of the study is to determine the factors contributing to the increased prevalence of dental caries among residents of Nabweru Southward in Nansana municipality, Wakiso district.

 Methodology:

A descriptive cross-sectional research design. The study included both male and female residents of Nabweru South Ward. A simple random technique was used to select respondents from the population.

 Results:

2(64%) of the respondents were males, 18(36%) were females. 30(60%) were single, 80% do brush their teeth, (60%) brushed their teeth twice in a day, 87.5% use a toothbrush and tooth paste to brush their tooth, (60.52%) change their tooth brush after 6 months, (84%) do not smoke cigarette, (75%) were current smokers, (56%) do not take alcohol, (60%) eat meals containing sugary foods, (86%) had never gone for a dental checkup while (14%), (71.4%) who go for dental checkup go there once in a year, (40%) were un employed, 56% earn less than 100,000 Ugandan shillings.

 Conclusion:

Failure to do dental checkups, alcohol intake, and consumption of sugary meals were the factors that contributed to dental caries.

 Recommendation

The government, through the Ministry of Health, should educate the general public about dental caries and proper oral hygiene practices in order to reduce their occurrence and prevalence.