Dental Diseases and Factors Defining Utilization of Dental Care Services among Rural Children Aged 12 Years in Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh: A Community-Based Study.

Background: Rural children are predisposed to variety of dental problems, which may influence their overall health and well-being. Despite relentless efforts and achievements in oral health promotion by authorities, its impact seems limited in rural areas of developing countries.

Aim: To generate data on the prevalence of dental caries and gingivitis, among 12-year-old rural children of Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh and factors facilitating or impeding uptake of dental care services.