ANALYSIS OF RISK FACTORS FOR MAJOR DENTAL DISEASES IN THE STUDENT POPULATION.

Nowadays, the reduction of widespread dental diseases (caries and periodontitis) is still crucial and appears to be both a medical and social concern. The aim of this study was an investigation of dental health status, determination of leading risk factors, and determination of preventive measures among the students of the Adjara region. Clinical studies were conducted on 392 students aged 18-25 years. The methodology provided by WHO was used to determine the epidemiological data on the prevalence of dental caries. The BOP (Bleeding on probing) method was used to determine the prevalence of inflammatory periodontal diseases. Oral hygiene status was assessed by OHI-S (Simplified Oral Hygiene Index). A survey of students was conducted to determine the impact of various factors. In the study group, caries prevalence equaled 97.04%, the intensity was 5.68+/-0.21, gingivitis prevalence was 75.4%, and oral hygiene condition was 1.9+/-0.06. Hygienic condition is correlated with caries and periodontal diseases (p<0.05). A statistically reliable relationship was revealed with hygiene knowledge, nutritional factors, etc. It is necessary to improve treatment and prevention measures among students and adolescents in the region through the implementation of social programs and sanitary educational measures.