Abstract
OBJECTIVES: In this study, using data obtained in the 2024 Korea National Children's Oral Health Survey, we sought to assess the prevalence of caries in primary teeth (prevalence of dental caries experienced and prevalence of active dental caries) at 5 years of age and permanent teeth at 12 years of age. In addition, we aimed to identify factors associated with the prevalence of caries in permanent teeth at 12 years of age. METHODS: The study included 7,746 five-year-old (4,237 boys and 3,509 girls) and 12,309 12-year-old (6,660 boys and 5,649 girls) children. Comparisons of the levels of caries based on subject characteristics were performed using complex sample cross tabs, and factors associated with the prevalence of caries were analyzed using complex sample regression analysis. RESULTS: According to the 2024 Korea National Children's Oral Health Survey, the prevalence of experiencing primary caries among 5-year-olds was 58.3%, and the prevalence of active primary caries was 25.3%. Comparatively, the prevalence of primary and permanent caries among 12-year-olds were 60.3%, and 7.3%, respectively. In addition, we found that the prevalence of permanent caries differed according to gender, use of dental sealants, dental treatment in the past year, preventive treatment in the past year, frequency of carious snack consumption, and subjective oral health status. Moreover, the prevalence of permanent caries differed with respect to unmet dental treatment needs in the past year, as well as dental pain and discomfort during the same period. Factors associated with the prevalence of caries included gender, use of dental sealants, dental treatment in the past year, frequency of carious snack consumption, and subjective oral health status. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to manage oral health considering the complex factors that contribute to the development of dental caries at ages 5 and 12.