DENTAL CARIES AWARENESS AND RISK ASSESSMENT IN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS OF GEORGIAN UNIVERSITIES.

Dental caries development in students depends on many factors. Our research aims at studying the dependence of the incidence of caries among foreigners residing in Georgia on caries awareness and behaviors Oral health status of the study population was assessed using the caries intensity DMFT index offered by the World Health Organization (WHO). Patients were divided into two groups, according to the DMFT Index, with the first group comprising patients with low and very low DMFT index, and the second group - with moderate and high (<2,6) (>2,7) DMFT index. As one can see, the low-intensity caries group shows a reliably higher rate of correct answers. Caries predators in foreign students living in Georgia are Stress associated with examinations - OR=2.97(95% CI:1.49-5.90); Taking analgesics - OR=3.60(95% CI:1.02-12.67); Gastrointestinal diseases - OR=4.73(95% CI:1.94-11.50); Bruxism - OR=21.91(95% I:7.71-62.24); Tooth sensitivity -OR=3.77(95% CI: 1.83-7.75). Conclusion: • Knowledge of caries risk factors is low among international students with high intensity caries • Stress related to exams increases the risk of dental caries among students, the following also increases the probability of dental caries: gastrointestinal diseases; Bruxism, taking analgesics and tooth sensitivity.

TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDERS AND THE WAY OF THEIR OPTIMIZATION: A LITERATURE REVIEW.

The literature review aims to investigate temporomandibular joint disorders and modern approaches to their treatment. An extensive literature search was performed using Scopus, ScienceDirect, and PubMed databases to identify the most relevant published articles. The year of publication was limited to over the past 5 years. The language was limited to English. More than 200 articles were found and analyzed. At first, abstracts were reviewed. After that 40 of the most relevant articles were selected and included. Systematical literature revision revealed that temporomandibular joint dysfunction is an essential public health issue worldwide due to its high prevalence and associated incapacity. Approximately one-third of the adult population worldwide suffers from at least one symptom of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. The etiology of this disease is considered to be multifactorial. Main risk factors include postural and parafunctional habits, several types of traumas, psychological distress, and occlusal factors. Temporomandibular disorder encompasses several pathological conditions. Based on the currently available evidence, chronic pain is frequently observed and results in lower quality of life. Proper diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment planning and outcomes of temporomandibular joint disorders. multidisciplinary treatment for the complete remission of all symptoms should be focused on the pain experience, jaw, and psychosocial functioning of the patients.

EFFECT OF SURFACE ABRASION AND TEMPERATURE TREATMENT ON METASTABLE TETRAGONAL ZIRCONIUM DIOXIDE (EXPERIMENTAL STUDY).

One of the significant drawbacks of using zirconium dioxide as a framework for prosthodontic structures is its propensity for breakage. Paradoxically, the higher the optical performance of zirconium dioxide, the more its mechanical durability tends to decrease and vice versa. A detailed analysis of the technological process has uncovered divergent opinions and significant disparities in recommendations concerning the fabrication of zirconium dioxide prosthodontic constructs. There are different recommendations regarding the need for abrasive blasting and regeneration firing. Consequently, conducting an in-depth experimental study on this matter and implementing the resulting findings will significantly contribute to addressing the challenges of prosthodontic rehabilitation for patients utilizing zirconium dioxide.

A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF THE MAXILLOFACIAL INJURIES IN TWO EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS IN TBILISI, GEORGIA.

Maxillofacial injuries are a global problem in our modern society. It can be a major cause of increased morbidity and mortality. Maxillofacial trauma can lead to scar distortion accompanied by emotional and psychological problems. The epidemiology of facial fractures varies in terms of trauma type, the extent of injury, and severity. The main aim of this research is to explore the scope, the burden, and the etiology of maxillofacial injuries in Tbilisi, Georgia. Data was retrospectively collected from two large emergency departments in Tbilisi, Georgia using a cross-sectional design. Inclusion criteria was patients admitted in hospitals during one year with diagnosis maxillofacial injury. SPSS 21 software was used for statistical analysis. Differences in categorical variables were assessed with Chi-square tests of independence. This research shows that men are still the most frequent victims of maxillofacial injuries. Out of 598 patients, whose age ranged from 1month to 87 years - 67% were males, and 33% patients were females, including both, maxillofacial trauma alone and also combined injuries. With only maxillofacial injuries, the male patients were still leading, with 51% (307) and female patients were 28% (167), these results gave us a statistically significant difference (p=0.026). The main causes of maxillofacial injuries were falls, which equaled to 63% (378 patients) from total recorded data, as in many other countries. The results of this research provide really important information about future preventive interventions in the country. It also shows us that educating the public with prevention strategies is substantial.

ELEMENTAL CONTENT - GENERAL AND ORAL HEALTH OF CHILDREN.

Aim of study - to determine the composition of the essential macro and microelements in the hair and dental hard tissues and to study the influence of their imbalance on the general and dental health of the child. To assess the state of dental hard tissues, 375 children aged 3 to 12 years were randomly examined in Batumi. Monitoring of the examined children was carried out using standard indices provided by the World Health Organization. To determine the composition of the chemical elements in hair and dental hard tissues, according to the caries status 48 children were chosen from the examined 375 children. We used X-ray fluorescent spectroscopy method to study the qualitative and quantitative content of the chemical elements in the hair and dental hard tissues. The comparative analysis of the dental experience (dmft/DMFT) and the composition of chemical elements in dental hard tissues showed a statistically significant difference depending on caries status. The effect of some essential elements on the general health of the child has also been identified. The study into the composition of the essential macro and microelements in the hair and dental hard tissues revealed a high coefficient of correlation both with the mineralization of dental hard tissues and with the general health of the growing body.

PREVALENCE AND RISK-FACTORS OF BRUXISM IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENT POPULATION AND ITS IMPACT ON QUЕALITY OF LIFE (REVIEW).

Bruxism has become more and more debatable and pressing issue all over the world last years. the etiology of bruxism has been changing diverse definitions, over the years, however recently it is defined as a repetitive jaw-muscle activity characterized by clenching or grinding of the teeth and by bracing or thrusting of the mandible. This literature review discusses the possible risk factors of bruxism in children and adolescence, among which behavioral abnormalities and sleep disturbances predominates. Moreover, it reviews pathological impact of bruxism on general health and quality of life. The literature review has been carried out using the "ScienceDirect", "Scopus" and "PubMed" databases in order to define relevant scientific works - published in English, during the last 5 years. 31 most relevant articles were chosen. Bruxism is a psychophysiological disorder that can take place during the day and/ or night, in a form of clenching and grinding. It can cause health problems such as tooth sensitivities, headaches, facial myalgia, ear ache, tightness/stiffness of the shoulders, limitation of mouth opening, sleep disruption, sleep disruption of bed partner due to noise, excess tooth mobility, inflamed & receding gums, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, tooth wear and breakage and tongue's deformation. Considering the potential negative consequences of bruxism on dental and oral health, various clinical methods have been devised to assess it over the years. As the etiology is multifactorial, there is no exact treatment to prevent bruxism. Counselling and behavioral strategies, splint therapy, medications, and contingent electrical stimulation can be used as different ways reducing the effects of bruxism.

STUDY OF THE HYGIENIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ORAL CAVITY UNDER THE COMPLEX EFFECT OF PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY AND TSKALTUBO SPRING WATER RADON HORMESIS.

The goal is to study the method of photodynamic therapy, which has become widespread in recent decades. This method of treatment has gained popularity in the treatment of both oncological and non-oncological inflammatory diseases in dentistry and other medical fields. We can conclude that the complex action of Rada Dent and Tskaltubo water (inhalation of Tskaltubo water and its use as rinses) leads to a gradual reduction and eventual eradication of the inflammatory process in the case of periodontitis. This can be explained by the unique properties that are characteristic of "Rada Dent" and Tskaltubo water. As we have seen, the above biochemical indicators are the determinants of periodontitis in patients with periodontitis, they are markers of the degree of periodontitis and we have clearly seen the complex action. High efficiency of "Rada Dent" and radon in the water of Tskaltubo - normalization of the action of oral enzymes, slowing down the inflammatory processes in the oral cavity and finally eradication. It is these unique properties that have become triggering the treatment and inhibit the initial stage of periodontitis.

PERCEPTION OF ORAL PROBLEMS IN PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED CANCER.

The results of the previous research, aimed to study the per-ception of and attitude to the end-of-life in the incurable cancer patients as well as the elderly aged 85 and older, revealed that independently from the cause of the life limitation, perceptions of and attitudes to the end-of-life are mainly similar. Moreover, it must be highlighted that the complaints on oral cavity were stated only by the single patients from the sample. We aimed to verify if the less attention from the sides of pa-tients towards the oral cavity symptoms/complaints were caused by the "poor" format of semi-structured interviews that were not focused on the oral status. The sample of the research included 50 advanced cancer pa-tients aged 20 to 75, under integrated palliative treatment (care). We applied for two-part questionnaire in the first part of which the patients had to choose one out of the alternative answers to the concrete questions related to oral cavity problems. The sec-ond part of the questionnaire was filled by the researcher/dentist based on the information obtained through examination of the patient's oral cavity. Based on the results of the data processing it was concluded that conditions recorded by a dentist were more severe and seri-ous in comparison to what the patients stated. Furthermore, it must be taken into consideration that the con-ditions and pathologies of oral cavity registered during our re-search are subject to improvement and treatment and, relevant-ly, their correct management has potential to improve the quality of life for incurable cancer patients.

CORRELATION OF ORAL HEALTH STATUS WITH GENERAL HEALTH IN ELDERLY LIVING AT RESIDENTIAL HOMES IN GEORGIA.

The aim of the study was to assess oral health status and its correlations with the general health in older adults living in residential houses in Georgia. The study was conducted in 2017-2018 years based on WHO recommendations. The study got approval from bioethical council of National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, protocol #2017-039, 28.06.2017y. 300 voluntary residents from various residential houses for older people (aged 65 years and more) were observed in regions of Georgia: "Basiliada" (Tbilisi), residential home of municipality of Samtredia, (Imereti), residential home "Carefree old age" (Kakheti). Age groups were divided as following: 65-74; 75-84; 85<. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 was used for statistical analysis. DMFT was assessed to be 28.74. Significantly high prevalence of needs of prosthetic treatment 91.1% (p=0.0005), full edentulism 36.2% (p=0.0049), participants with the extraction of more than 20 teeth 81.3% (p=0.0000) and unsatisfactory oral hygiene 39.3% (p=0.0003) were observed. Prevalence of systemic diseases was assessed as the following: cardiovascular disease - 56%, gastroenterologycal diseases - 6%, diabetes - 2.9%, respiratory disease - 8.4%, oncological disease - 6.7%, dementia - 24.2 %.( p<0.005). Cardiovascular system diseases appeared to be one of the most commonly encountered diseases in dental practice. Based on the study results new program was created "Improve of oral hygiene of older adults living in residential homes in Georgia" in order to increase their access to the dental care, including preventive dental care and improve oral health related quality of life.

[THE ROLE OF ESSENTIAL MACRO- AND MICROELEMENTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOMATIC AND DENTAL DISEASES].

The purpose of our study was to monitor the prevalence and intensity of dental caries, to establish the relationship between general and dental health and the content of essential macro- and micronutrients in the hair and teeth of children and adolescents. A comprehensive epidemiological study was conducted according to the WHO methodology in 375 children aged 3 to 12 years. It was revealed that the prevalence of dental caries increases with age and amounts to 79.6% at the age of 3-6 years, with an intensity of 5.8; at 7-9 years old - 89.5% with DMF + DF - 6.3; at 10-12 years old - 95.6% with a DMF of 5.2. To establish the relationship between general and dental health and the elemental composition of the body in 47 children, the content of essential macro - and microelements was revealed in the hair and dental hard tissues. The established regularity of the content of chemical elements allows us to assume that elemental homeostasis has a significant effect on the human body, which may be impaired by inadequate supply or incompatibility of the elements. Determination of macro - and micronutrients in hair and teeth is an integrative test in the diagnosis of human health.

Dental Diseases and Intestinal Dysbiosis Among Children.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of the present study correlates dental hard tissue mineralization, mucosal pathologies in the oral cavity and different degrees of intestinal dysbiosis. STUDY DESIGN: the study examined two groups: the study group (Group I) included 229 children and adolescents aged 1-17 (mean age 5±1years) with oral pathologies (caries, acute or chronic candidiasis) and confirmed dysbiosis of varying severity and stages as well. Group II (the Control Group) was composed of 50 patients aged 1 - 16 (mean age 5±1years) with oral pathologies but with no detected changes in gastrointestinal (GI) flora. Dental caries were examined by DMFT-index; the extent of dental hard tissue mineralization by vital staining (2% methylene blue) and cases of oral candidiasis was investigated by taking cultures from mucosal plaques. RESULTS: on the basis of the research outcomes the correlation between the different degrees of GI dysbiosis and dental hard tissue mineralization with pathologic expressions in the oral cavity was found. Group I was divided into two subgroups: in the first subgroup that suffered from mild dysbiosis (I and II degree) moderate dental caries was revealed, whereas in the second subgroup with III and IV degree of dysbiosis-high levels of dental caries was detected. In Group II (no GI flora disturbances), the dental hard tissue demineralization indicator was minimal; in children aged 1-3 years the incidence and prevalence of caries were low and increased with age, reaching higher values during puberty (11-16 years). CONCLUSION: It may be concluded that dysbiosis of GI microflora influences on a degree of dental hard tissue demineralization, which in turn may predispose to the formation of dental caries.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GENERAL HEALTH, ORAL HEALTH AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IN ELDERLY POPULATION (REVIEW).

This literature review aims to investigate how a poor oral health impacts on general health and healthy lifestyle of elderly people. The literature review was performed using ScienceDirect, Scopus and PubMed databases to identify relevant published studies. The year of publication was limited to over the past 5 years and the language was limited to English. Having considered the relevant articles' abstracts the 36 articles were selected. Systematical literature revision shows that recently, the older population has increased worldwide and it is being predicted to keep growing in near future. As age-related changes are observed in oral cavity, geriatric dentistry becomes more relevant to investigate oral disorders and to take relevant measures in elderly population. There is an urgent need to clarify the correlations between oral and general health. Unsatisfactory oral conditions lead to serious systemic diseases. Based on the currently available evidence, better collaboration between medical and dental fields is required in order to create and maintain healthy elderly population. A special association with professional group is important for implementation of new programs, in order to enhance and maintain satisfactory oral hygiene, oral health and oral health related quality of life.

CORRELATION BETWEEN THE ORAL HYGIENIC CONDITION AND PSYCHO-SOCIAL FACTORS IN THE ELDERLY POPULATION OF IMERETI.

The purpose of the study is to determine the correlation between the oral hygienic condition and the psycho-social factors in the elderly population of Imereti. The research was based on the findings of 374 persons who were older than 50 years of age from the contingent of Kutaisi Regional Dental Center and From the contingent of the boarding house of the Kutaisi elderly and disabled people. The oral hygienic level was determined by the method of GreeneVermilion, and we used the E. Ambjornsen method to evaluate hygienic conditions of removable prostheses. The difference between the groups was determined by F Fischer's criterion; The relationship between the factors was determined by the correlation analysis - the Spearerman's Rank Test. Correlation analysis shows the level of hygiene and behavioral factors that show positive correlation with good hygienic levels of the mouth: self-efficiency r=0.113; P=0.029; Self control r=0.104; P=0.045; Optimism r=0.144; P=0.005; Social opportunities r=.144; P=0.005; Psychosocial function r=0.227; P=0.000; Self-service r=0.127; P=0.014; Motor function r=0.128; P=0.013; Reliable positive correlation with a bad hygienic level - the need for other medical assistance - r=0.327; P=0.000; Disorders of behavior - r=0.378; P=0.000; Chronic pain - r=0.484; P=0.000; Decreased mobility - r=0.492; P=0.000; Inconvenience - r=0.533; P=0.000; Physical weakness - r=0.487; P=0.000; Disorientation - r=0.403; P=0.000; Bad memory - r=0.417; P=0.000; Psychological weakness - r=0.462; P=0.000; Lack of support - r=0.318; P=0.000; The oral hygienic level in elderly persons correlates with psycho-social and behavioral factors.

EVALUATION OF EDENTULISM, PROSTHETIC STATUS AND PROSTHODONTICS TREATMENT NEEDS AMONG THE ADULT POPULATION OF GEORGIA.

The aim of the present study is to identify the level of edentulism among the adult population of Georgia, to assess the prosthodontics status and normative needs for prosthetic treatment. Cluster- stratified method was used for sampling. Overall, 2370 adults including 1289 women and 1081 men and four age groups I - 20-34, II - 35-44, III - 45-64, IV - 65-74 in nine regions of Georgia and the capital, Tbilisi, were examined. The loss of teeth due to caries or periodontitis was observed to differing extents throughout the population. One (8.3%) or more bridges (7.6%) and removable dentures (3.2-4.7%) were more frequently observed than implants (0.1%). Metal-ceramic (12.4%) and metal crowns (6.3%) were more commonly detected than zirconia ceramic crowns (0.1%). Statistical analysis of the data demonstrates a rather high normative prosthetic need of implants and bridges and less needs for removable dentures among the population due to less severity of periodontitis and not too high values of missing teeth due to caries (despite the high caries prevalence (99%) throughout the Georgian population). Edentulism is a public problem in Georgia and needs serious attention from government or healthcare centers to prevent the complications .

THE RISK FACTORS INFLUENCING THE EDENTULISM AND PROSTHETIC STATUS OF THE ADULT POPULATION IN DIFFERENT REGIONS OF GEORGIA.

The aim of the present study was to identify the level of edentulism and prosthetic status of the adult population in different regions of Georgia and to assess the influencing risk- factors. Cluster- stratified method was used for sampling. Overall, 2370 adults including 1289 women and 1081 men and four age groups I- (20-34), II-(35-44), III-(45-64), IV- (65-74) in nine regions of Georgia and the capital, Tbilisi, were examined. Statistically reliable data received showed the different extent of teeth loss in various regions of Georgia. ≤10 teeth loss were characteristic for Mtskheta (60.2%) and Samtskhe-Javakheti (50.7%),whilst ≥20 teeth lost were noticed more in Achara(2.9%), Samtskhe-Javakheti(2.6%), Shida Qartli (2,5%). Therefore, prosthetic status was mostly presented with one or more bridges or artificial crowns, removable dentures were seen less. Differences in prosthetic status is generally related to low medical education background in all regions, though lack of money was considered as essential obstacle for dental visit for Mtskheta, Imereti and Samtskhe-Javakheti population. Education and family income dictate attitudes towards prosthetic dental care and choice of crown types. On the other hand, material disparity represents the main obstacle to prosthetic procedures, especially implants.

Primary Teeth and Hair as Indicators of Environmental Pollution.

OBJECTIVES: To study the influence of environmental pollution on the mineralization of dental hard tissues by using biosubstrates: teeth and hair. : STUDY DESIGN: At the first stage epidemiological survey was conducted in polluted and less polluted areas of Tbilisi (Georgia). We studied 525 children aged 3 and 4 years. Caries prevalence and intensity was defined by the methodology of World Health Organization. At the second stage the chemical elements content was studied in hair and teeth hard tissues of 24 children by X-ray fluorescent spectroscopy method. RESULTS: The prevalence of dental caries in the polluted region was 46%, caries intensity--1.92 (± 2.842). In the less polluted region prevalence was 37%, caries intensity--1.47 (± 2.571). These data are statistically reliable (p < 0.05). The study of hair and tooth tissues showed that the toxic elements (Pb, Hg, Sn, Ti) content in these tissues was higher in environmentally unfavorable than in favorable conditions. CONCLUSION: Hair and dental tissues can be used as indicators of environmental pollution. Our survey showed that toxic elements content in dental hard tissues was higher and the level of essential elements was less in polluted than in less polluted areas of Tbilisi.

[Dysbiosis and its consequences on oral cavity in children and adolescents].

Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) diseases in children are often accompanied by changes in oral cavity, which is caused by common function of GIT and oral cavity organs. During last years, the number of dysbiosis of various severities has dramatically increased, which directly affects the oral cavity - dental hard tissue mineralization, especially in children and adolescents. The aim of our study was to identify the frequency of dysbiosis in children and adolescents and its influence on dental and general health. 279 patients aged 1 - 17 years were examined. Examinations have shown, that in patients with I-II degree dysbiosis spread and intensity (DMF index) of dental caries is significantly lower - 58,2% and 2,7 intensity, compared to III-IV degree dysbiosis, where 71,8% have caries with 4,2 intensity. According to this, dental and general health status in children and adolescents is highly dependent on severity of GI tract pathologies, particularly on qualitative and/or quantitative content of microbyotes of GI tract.

Periodontal diseases in patients with vitamin D-resistant rickets.

OBJECTIVE: To define the risk of development of periodontal diseases at vitamin D-resistant rickets. The material for the study was based on the data from 13 children of 0-18 years with vitamin D-resistant rickets (I group), 68 children with vitamin D-dependent rickets (II group), and the control group included 61 children of the same ages. The patients were divided into 3 age groups: I group of 0-5 years (deciduous/milk teeth occlusion), II group of 6-12 of years (mixed bite), III group of 13-18 years (permanent occlusion). For the qualitative data the differences between the groups were detected by using F criteria but for the quantitative data the differences between the groups were detected by Student's t test for independent selection. Mathematical processing was performed using statistical software SPSS-22. In all three groups the gingivitis of mild and moderate forms were fixed, among them acute course was revealed only in the group of vitamin D-resistant rickets. The rate of chronic, local, catarrhal and generalized gingivitis in the group of vitamin D-resistant rickets was reliably higher in comparison with both vitamin D-dependant rickets and control groups. In addition, a mild form of periodontitis with chronic course was revealed in all three groups the rate of which was reliably higher in the group of vitamin D-resistant rickets comparing with the ones of vitamin D-dependant rickets and control groups. CONCLUSION: the rate of inflammatory periodontal diseases in children with vitamin D-resistant rickets is higher than in children with vitamin D-dependent rickets and the control groups.

The prevalence of periodontal diseases among adult population in Georgia.

The present research was conducted to estimate the prevalence of periodontal diseases in the adult population of Georgia, to study the peculiarity of their distribution within population in different regions of the country. The survey was carried out based on cluster- stratified method derived by WHO. 2370 adults including 1289 women and 1081 men distributed in 4 age groups: I - 20-34, II - 35-44, III - 45-64, IV - 65+ the residents of the city, town and village in 9 regions of Georgia and the capital Tbilisi were examined. The assessment of periodontal status and oral hygiene was based on WHO-'s recommendation. (WHO 1997 '˜Oral Health Assessment Form') Examination was done under good natural light using a mouth mirror and a periodontal index (CPI) probe for measurements of periodontal pockets depth. Questionnaires comprised questions for revealing the following risk factors: social status and family income, existence of common diseases, people'S attitude towards oral hygiene(tooth brushing, using dental floss, mouth rinsing) acceptability of dental service, sugar consumption rate, tobacco use, consumption of dairy products. The reliable statistical data received from the study relieved high prevalence of periodontal diseases in all regions: in Achara - 71.7, Mtskheta-Mtianeti - 70.8%, Imereti - 64.9%, Qvemo Qartli - 61.6%, Tbilisi - 61.8% and Shida Qartli - 60.5%, Guria - 55.9%, Samtskhe-Javakheti - 56.0%, Kakheti - 59.1%, Samegrelo - 55.2%. Despite the variability of risk factors high prevalence of inflammatory periodontal diseases in regions of Georgia was related to more extent to the low educational medical background, less dental acceptability due to not very positive attitude towards dental service and oral hygiene skills though financial problems also played substantial role. The study confirmed that periodontal diseases represent an actual problem in Georgia and need caring out serious preventive measures to enhance peoples' referral to dental service and improve medical educational background of the population.

Dental caries among children in Georgia by age, gender, residence location and ethnic group.

OBJECTIVE: To provide prevalence data for dental caries in Georgia. METHODS: This World Health Organization pathfinder survey was conducted among 1,351 (6, 12 and 15 year-old) Georgian children, representing the main ethnic groups in urban and rural locations. Caries was analysed at univariate and multivariate levels, according to age, gender, urban/rural locality and ethnic group. RESULTS: Caries experience levels among 6-year-olds were dmft = 4.57, sd 3.42 (14.8% caries-free); DMFT = 2.04 (sd 2.02) among 12-year-olds (31.1% caries-free); and DMFT = 3.51 (sd 3.14) for the 15-year-olds (17.7% caries-free). Urban children at ages 6 and 12 years were more likely to be caries-free and have both lower levels of caries-experience and higher levels of filled or restored teeth. In multivariate regression analyses, most age groups showed a significant contribution from residence location. No differences were found by age and no consistent differences were detected by ethnic group. CONCLUSION: These data should provide the baseline for formulating and conducting public oral health efforts in Georgia, with emphases on rural residence locations.