Factors Affecting Oral Condition among Preschool Children in Yala Province

Abstract

     The purpose of this dental health research was to study factors affecting oral condition of preschool children in Yala province. Tooth cavity levels were an indicator of oral condition among the 3-year-old children. Secondary data from the Health Data Center (HDC) from the fiscal year 2022 were used.  The population was 2925 children. The sample was 350 children   that were selected from their complete data on the number of caries, extractions, fillings, and the total number of teeth in the mouth on the date of oral examination. This record had   namely the following information: the 13-digit number of Thai citizen, the order of health   service, the service date, the received services, the professionals providing the services, and the age on the date of receiving the services. The sample was calculated using the table of Krejci and Morgan, with a tolerance level of 5% and a confidence level of 95%. Data were analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation, and Logistic Regression.       

     The study revealed that when controlling for variables, children aged 3 years who received  oral health checks ≥ 3 times had a 3.81 times chance of having no caries, compared to those  who received oral health checks ≤ 2 times. Brushing practice ≥ 3 times had the chance of tooth   decay equal to 4.01 times compared to parents who practice brushing ≤ 2 times. Applying topical   fluoride ≥ 3 times had a 7.41 times chance of not caries, compared to applying topical fluoride ≤ 2 times. While the proportion of children aged 3 years per dental personnel was 7.41 times that was not an important measure of the oral health of preschool children. 

     The government should take action for oral health promotion in terms of access to oral    health services, and encouraging parents to be aware of dental child care. Moreover, government officials should continually develop their capacity, monitor and evaluate the good oral condition   of preschool children.