Oral health status and treatment needs of Cholanaicken and Kattunaicken tribal population in Nilambur forest, Kerala: A cross-sectional study

AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was conducted to assess Oral health status and treatment needs of Cholanaicken and Kattunaicken tribal population residing in Nilambur Forest, Kerala. OBJECTIVES: 1. To gather baseline information regarding their demographic profile and oral hygiene practices. 2. To assess Oral health status of Cholanaicken and Kattunaicken tribal groups using modified WHO 1997 proforma. 3. To assess treatment needs of Cholanaicken and Kattunaicken tribal groups groups using modified WHO 1997 proforma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross sectional descriptive survey of a Convenience Sampling was conducted among 684 tribal population of Nilambur forest, Kerala. Data was collected using WHO 1997 proforma (Modified). The data was subjected to statistical analysis using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS software version 20). RESULTS: Out of 684 study subjects, 340 study subjects were Cholanaickens and 344 were Kattunaickens. Of these 346 (50.6%) were males and 338 (49.4%) were females, prevalence of oral sub mucous fibrosis was 10.9% and 14.0% among females and Kattunaicken tribes. Majority of females 216 (63.9%) had calculus and 19 (5.6%) cholanaicken had periodontal pocket and loss of attachment 7 (0.2%). Mean DMFT was more among females 0.72 and 0.96 in cholanaicken tribe. Dental caries experience was more in females 93 (27.5%) and 109 (32.1%) in cholanaicken tribe. Dental trauma was found to be more among females 51 (15.1%) and 61 (17.9%) in Cholanaicken tribe. Overall treatment needs was found to be more among females 62.2% and 71.7% in Cholanaicken tribe. About 99% of both genders and tribal population were using finger and charcoal to clean their tooth. CONCLUSION: The oral health status of tribal population was poor due to dental caries and periodontal diseases. It was observed that there was lack of awareness about oral health, lack of previous dental care, and limited access to oral health services