Oral Health Status of Latvian Adolescents Aged 12 and 15 Years: A Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Study

Aim: To assess caries prevalence, severity, and associated factors among Latvian adolescents aged 12 and 15 years, and to describe periodontal health and other oral conditions.

Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted during the 2022/2023 school year. We examined 6th and 9th grade students from 58 schools selected through stratified cluster sampling. Ten calibrated dentists (kappa 0.67–0.80) assessed caries using merged ICDAS criteria, periodontal health using BPE, and other conditions following WHO recommendations. Data analysis used R with generalized logistic regression.

Results: We examined 3,128 adolescents (1,557 aged 12 years; 1,571 aged 15 years). Response rates were 65% and 56%, respectively. Caries prevalence at D₃MFT level was 66.3% at age 12 and 83.5% at age 15. Mean D₃MFT was 2.3 [SD 2.5] at age 12 and 4.4 [SD 3.9] at age 15. Only 13.9% of 12-year-olds and 6.7% of 15-year-olds were caries-free. Healthy periodontium was present in 28% of 12-year-olds and 26% of 15-year-olds. Visible plaque was associated with higher caries (IRR 1.49 [95%CI 1.45, 1.53]) and gingivitis (OR 6.17 [95%CI 5.14, 7.45]). Rural residence, infrequent toothbrushing, unknown fluoride content in toothpaste, and daily sugary drink consumption were associated with higher caries severity. Molar-incisor hypomineralization affected 4–5%, fluorosis 5%, and dental trauma 6–7% of adolescents.

Conclusions: Latvian adolescents have high caries prevalence and poor periodontal health. Oral hygiene practices remain inadequate. Policy interventions should address preventive care access, fluoride toothpaste availability, and dietary habits.