This study assessed the oral health status and practices related to oral health among 12 year old children in Pusan, Korea. An oral epidemiologic survey was undertaken to determine the status of dental caries, gingivitis and malocclusion for 12 year old children of the junior high schools in Pusan. A questionnaire consisting of 3 ,items was used to interview for the practices of tooth brushing and the use of fluoride toothpastes. A fluoride- or non-fluoride toothpaste was judged by its brand used at daily tooth brushing. Total samples were 598 consisting of 304 boys and 294 girls. The major results were as follows:
1. The preen of frequency of daily tooth brushing was 1.73. 76.56% of tooth brushings were done after meals. 41.4994 of respondents were judged to use fluoride-containing toothpastes at daily tooth brushing.
2. It was estimated that caries experience of permanent teeth(DMF rate) was 86.45%, DMFT rate; .10.57%, DMFT index; 3.07. Decayed teeth among total DMF teeth were 59.60% and filled teeth among total DMF teeth were 35.599 56.52% of permanent first molars experienced caries. The caries experience rate of each tooth type was 66.97% arn1X lower first molars, 46.35% among upper first molars. 3. The prevalence of gingivitis at lower anterior teeth was 3127%.
4. 30.43% of the subjects had malocclusion: Class 1, 20.07%; Class 11, 6.19%; Class 111, 4.18%.
5. Community water fluoridation or fluoride mouth rinsing program at elementary and junior high schools should
be developed to prevent dental caries. Oral health education including tooth brushing practices with fluoride toothpastes Should be strengthened to prevent periodontal diseases and dental caries.
6. Incremental oral health care services should b e supplied at elementary and junior high schools to prevent and treat oral diseases.
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