Oral health problems among children in selected primary schools in Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

Background: Dental caries and gingivitis are common health problems in schoolchildren worldwide. This study aimed to assess oral health problems and risk factors of children age 6-14 years in selected primary schools in Bangkok.

Methods: This retrospective analysis was done in 509 schoolchildren profiles based on primary data of Mahidol School Oral Health Program during academic year 2015. Validity for secondary data study, data entry was done from the original record forms. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, and multiple logistic regression at a significance level of 0.05.

Results: The Caries Index (dmft) of grade 1 children demonstrated that caries in primary dentition were frequent. The prevalence of caries in primary teeth of grade 1 children was 82.6%, high level of caries in primary teeth was 55.0%. On the contrary, children in grade 2-6, high level of caries in permanent teeth was only 2.5%. Besides, gingivitis affected main group of children (76.8%). Logistic regression analysis found only poor oral hygiene significantly associated with dmft level (Adj OR=12.0, 95% of CI = 1.1-131.3). Gender, educational level and underlying diseases were significantly associated with DMFT level (Adj OR=2.3, 95% of CI =1.3-4.3, Adj OR=2.1, 95% of CI =1.0-4.1, and Adj OR= 4.1, 95% of CI =2.0-8.3, respectively). For gingivitis, school and oral hygiene were significantly associated factors (Adj OR= 3.5, 95% of CI =1.7-7.4, and Adj OR=19.1, 95% of CI =5.1-71.2).

Conclusion: An early detection and prevention program should be helpful in reducing dental caries in this group of children.