Prevalence and Determinant of Dental Caries Among Children in Selected Primary Schools in Ilorin West Local Government Area, Kwara State

Background Dental caries is one of the most common chronic oral diseases affecting children and remains a major public health concern worldwide. Poor oral hygiene practices, frequent consumption of sugary foods, inadequate fluoride use, and limited access to preventive dental care increase the risk of dental caries. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of dental caries among primary school children in Ilorin West Local Government Area, Kwara State. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 320 primary school children selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were summarized using frequencies and percentages, while Chi-square and logistic regression analysis were performed at a 5% level of significance. Results The prevalence of self-reported dental caries among respondents was 37.2%. Only 6.9% had ever visited a dentist for a tooth-related problem, while preventive oral hygiene practices were generally poor despite high awareness of dental caries. Frequent consumption of sugary snacks was also reported. Chi-square analysis showed that class level ( p  < 0.001), family size ( p  = 0.046), and parental assistance with tooth brushing ( p  < 0.001) were significantly associated with dental caries. Logistic regression identified age (12 years), larger family size, and lack of parental assistance with tooth brushing as significant predictors of dental caries ( p  < 0.05). Conclusion Dental caries remains a significant oral health problem among primary school children in Ilorin West Local Government Area. Strengthening school-based oral health education, improving parental involvement in oral hygiene practices, promoting fluoride toothpaste use, reducing sugary snack consumption, and improving access to preventive dental services are recommended.