Dental health situation in privileged children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Two hundred children 6–7 and 13–14 years of age from private schools in Addis Ababa were examined for oral deposits, periodontal condition, dental fluorosis, and dental caries. The findings indicated a higher level of both periodontal disease and dental caries in the privileged children than in previously surveyed nonprivileged children in Ethiopia. This difference was attributed to a higher sucrose intake in the privileged group. The findings may illustrate a dental health situation that will inevitably develop in Ethiopia with a continuous increase in the sucrose consumption.