The prevalence of dental caries and associated factors among secondary school children in rural highland Vietnam

Abstract

Background To determine the prevalence of dental caries in primary and permanent teeth and identify factors associated with dental caries among secondary school children in rural highland Vietnam. Methods This was a cross-sectional study that included 1985 secondary schoolchildren. Dental examination was performed at school using World Health Organization criteria. Data collection on demographic characteristics and knowledge, attitude, and practices related to dental caries was conducted by interviewing children. Descriptive and inferential statistics using a multivariate logistic regression model were applied. Results Prevalence of caries in primary and permanent teeth was 41.1 and 68.9 %, respectively. Prevalence of caries in primary teeth in the age group 11–12 years old (59.4 %) was significantly higher than in children in the age group of 13–14 years (27.8 %; p < 0.01). Factors associated with dental caries in primary teeth were age group of 11–12 years, belonging to the Jarai ethnic group, and having inadequate knowledge or attitude related to dental caries. Factors associated with dental caries in permanent teeth were having insufficient knowledge, attitude, and practices related to dental caries. Conclusions The prevalence of dental caries in primary and permanent teeth was high among secondary school children in Vietnam’s rural highlands. It is recommended that interventions focus on younger secondary school children and the Jarai minority ethnic group, and that interventions should emphasize improving knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to dental caries.

Oral Health Needs and Barriers among Children in Saudi Arabia

“…Oral diseases, dominated by dental caries, are a global health concern because they affect more than half of the population [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Other oral diseases, such as oral lesions and manifestations, including signs and symptoms of oral or systemic diseases, can negatively affect children and adolescents and impact their quality of life [ 4 , 5 ].…”

The status and associated factors of earlychildren caries among Preschoolchildren in Chongming islet， China: across-sectional survey

“…The rate of dental caries was 31.78% (75/236) in children aged 3 years, 42.81% (131/306) in children aged 4 years and 56.31% (223/396) in children aged 5 years. Some studies have suggested that age is an independent risk factor for dental caries in preschool children, as primary teeth continue to function before replacement, resulting in persistent and cumulative effects, therefore, the growth of the age associated with the risk and degree of preschool children's dental caries [12].Another study showed that the caries rate of primary teeth of children in the younger age group was higher than that of children in the older age group [13].Therefore, as a cross-sectional study, this study cannot con rm whether the occurrence of dental caries is related to age. As a chronic disease, childhood dental caries may have a cumulative effect in older children.…”

Does Early Childhood Caries Increase Caries Development among School Children and Adolescents? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…The potential explanations include the high prevalence of cariogenic bacteria in the primary dentition may have a spillover effect on the newly erupted teeth [ 11 , 12 ]. Another possible cause would be common risk factors that affect both dentitions, such as sociodemographic factors, oral hygiene maintenance and dietary habits that have not been modified from childhood to adolescence [ 13 , 14 ].…”