What do systematic reviews say?

Not applicable (single-group prevalence) vs Not applicable (single-group prevalence)

The pooled mean dmft was 2.95 (95% CI 1.86-4.67), with very high heterogeneity (I2=99.7%).

• Prevalence and risk factors for early childhood caries in North Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. 2025 All outcomes

  North Africa · Overall
  MEAN 2.95 [1.86, 4.67]
  13 studies
  GRADE not reported

Caries severity measurement (mean number of decayed, missing and filled permanent teeth, DMFT; WHO criteria) vs None (descriptive prevalence review; subgroup analyses by urban/rural status, country and year)

Pooled mean DMFT in Sudan was 0.49 (95% CI 0.461 to 0.519; 1 article(s); not GRADE-rated).

• Prevalence of dental caries in the permanent dentition amongst 12-year-olds in Africa: a systematic review and… 2022 All outcomes

  Sudan (Africa) · Country: Sudan
  MEAN 0.49 [0.461, 0.519]
  1 study
  GRADE not reported
• Prevalence of dental caries in the permanent dentition amongst 12-year-olds in Africa: a systematic review and… 2022 All outcomes

  Libya (Africa) · Country: Libya
  MEAN 2.11 [1.178, 3.038]
  2 studies
  GRADE not reported
• Prevalence of dental caries in the permanent dentition amongst 12-year-olds in Africa: a systematic review and… 2022 All outcomes

  African urban settings · Setting: Urban
  MEAN 1.325 [0.974, 1.675]
  10 studies
  GRADE not reported

Intervention not reported

• Prevalence of dental caries in the permanent dentition amongst 12-year-olds in Africa: a systematic review and… 2022 All outcomes

  Publication-bias adjusted (trim-and-fill)
  Mean DMFT 0.47 [0.46, 0.48]
  Studies not reported
  GRADE not reported