The aim of the study was to evaluate prevalence of caries as well as hygienic habits of 15-year-old adolescents living in Ukraine and Poland in connection with the content of selected elements in drinking water. The study was conducted on the youth populations in Lviv and Lublin. The dental condition was assessed by checking the prevalence of caries, mean D3MFT number and  SIC index of caries. Socio-medical examination followed and consisted of checking hygienic habits such as frequency of tooth brushing. Chemical composition of the tap water sampled in the areas inhabited by the patients was determined. The prevalence of caries in the Lviv inhabitants was 92.45%, being higher than in Lublin (88.00%). Statistical analysis of the content of chosen elements in the drinking water samples revealed statistically significant differences in the content of phosphorus, potassium and iron. Despite differences in the content of selected elements in the water from both cities, no significant differences emerged between the  mean values of D3MFT of the two examined populations, except for  the SIC values. Moreover, the frequency of tooth brushing had no impact on values of the mean D3MFT number in either Lviv or Lublin patients.

23.2.2018