DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2026.v14i04.020

Pages: 547-561

A Case-Control Study to Assess Risk Factors and Levels of Dental Caries among Cases and Controls in Selected Primary Schools of Bagalkote City. Background: Dental caries is a prevalent and significant public health issue-affecting children globally. It is largely preventable through proper oral hygiene practices and awareness of associated risk factors. This study aimed to assess the level of dental caries and identify associated risk factors among school-aged children in Bagalkote city. Objectives: • To assess the level of dental caries among cases and controls • To identify risk factors contributing to dental caries • To compare the levels of caries and associated risk factors between cases and controls • To determine associations between demographic variables and dental caries/risk factors Methods: A case-control research design was adopted. A total of 100 children (50 cases and 50 controls) from B.V.V’s Kannada and English Medium Primary Schools in Bagalkote were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), and a WHO-based risk factor assessment tool. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, z-tests, and chi-square tests.