Abstract
This is a cross-sectional epidemiological study comprising 840 randomly selected children in the age groups of 3, 5, 10 and 15 year-olds. All children were clinically examined for number of teeth, dental caries, dental fillings, plaque, gingivitis and probing pocket depth. Dental care and dietary habits were collected using a self-reported questionnaire. Among 3 and 5 year olds, 98% suffered from dental caries, compared to 91% of 10 and 15 year olds. The mean (SD) of decayed (initial and manifest) and filled tooth surfaces (dfs/DFS) in the different age groups was: 18.2 (14.1), 23.0 (15.4), 5.1 (4.2) and 6.9 (6.0), respectively. There was an average of ~ 30% in all age groups with plaque and gingivitis. Consuming milk with sugar more than 2–3 times a week (3 and 5 year olds) and eating sweets between principal meals twice a day (in 10 and 15 year olds) were statistically significant with caries prevalence. It is concluded that dental caries and gingivitis are significant public health problems among children in Da Nang, Vietnam.
Highlights
In 1989, “The First National Oral Health Survey” of the population in Vietnam [1] was performed and it reported poor oral hygiene status and a moderate level of caries among a sample of 2.762 individuals aged 12-15 years
It is concluded that dental caries and gingivitis are significant public health problems among children in Da Nang, Vietnam
Further studies in Dang Phuong village in the Central Highlands and four small rural villages in Southern Vietnam [5] showed that dental caries was prevalent in both primary and permanent dentitions of these populations, with high caries prevalence in the primary dentition associated with a high consumption of dietary sugars, notably sticky candies and soft drinks
Summary
In 1989, “The First National Oral Health Survey” of the population in Vietnam [1] was performed and it reported poor oral hygiene status and a moderate level of caries among a sample of 2.762 individuals aged 12-15 years. Further studies in Dang Phuong village in the Central Highlands and four small rural villages in Southern Vietnam [5] showed that dental caries was prevalent in both primary and permanent dentitions of these populations, with high caries prevalence in the primary dentition associated with a high consumption of dietary sugars, notably sticky candies and soft drinks. These findings highlighted an urgent need for professional dental care and preventive measures and a change from restoration oriented dental treatment to dental public health services. The present paper presents clinical data relating to dental caries, oral hygiene and the periodontal condition in these four age groups, complemented with
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
