PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF ORAL DISEASES: AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY

This article presents a comprehensive epidemiological analysis of oral disease prevalence and associated risk factors. Oral diseases, particularly dental caries and periodontal diseases, represent major public health challenges affecting billions globally. A cross-sectional population-based study of 1,850 participants aged 6-70 years was conducted in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, examining the prevalence of dental caries, periodontal diseases, oral mucosal lesions, and tooth loss. Standardized WHO criteria were employed for diagnosis, supplemented by comprehensive questionnaires assessing sociodemographic factors, oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and healthcare utilization. Results revealed dental caries prevalence of 78.4% overall (92.3% in adults), periodontal disease in 64.8% of adults, and edentulism in 12.4% of elderly participants. Significant risk factors included poor oral hygiene (OR=4.2, p<0.001), high sugar consumption (OR=3.6, p<0.001), smoking (OR=2.8, p<0.001), low socioeconomic status (OR=2.4, p=0.002), and infrequent dental visits (OR=3.8, p<0.001). The discussion emphasizes the multifactorial etiology of oral diseases and the critical need for comprehensive prevention strategies, improved oral health literacy, and equitable access to dental care services.