Associations of untreated caries and experience among WHO-Recommended adult age groups

Background: The shift in caries burden from children to adults and its rise among this population necessitates epidemiological studies to provide data on the trend and modifiable factors. Aim: This study aimed to determine prevalence of untreated caries, its contribution to caries experience, and related factors among WHO-recommended adult age groups. Patients, Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over a six-month period in 2021 among 451 adults recruited from a patient population in Northeast Nigeria. Sociodemographic characteristics and oral health practices were recorded. Intraoral assessment for untreated caries, filled, and missing teeth were carried out according to the WHO criteria. Data analysis included logistic regression to produce a model for predictive risk for caries, with emphasis on the WHO recommended adult age groups. Results: The prevalence of untreated caries (81.6%) was significantly (P < 0.05) related to age, occupation, education, dental visits, snacking, and toothbrushing frequency. It accounted for 65.7% of the overall decayed, missing, and filled teeth score (3.35 ± 3.00) and was significantly higher for participants <25 years (P = 0.044) compared to the middle aged (35–44 years) and elderly (65–74 years), class III occupation (P = 0.020), no formal education (P = 0.002), and irregular dental visits (P = 0.019). Occupation (β = 0.131, P = 0.016) and level of education (β = −0.132, P = 0.006) were significant predictors of dental caries occurrence. Conclusion: Caries experience was low, but the prevalence of untreated caries was very high and more common among younger adults. Socioeconomic status was an important determinant of caries presence.