Oral health status in preschool children,Saraburi Province

Abstract

            The report of 7 ^th Thai national oral health survey reveals that the prevalence and the mean dmft (decayed,missing and filled tooth) of children are still high. Having specific data of oral health for amphoe or province may help service providers plan oral health promotion and oral health services. This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to explore caries prevalence and experiences of children. The samples were 332 children aged of 3-5 years who attended child development centers in Saraburi province. Demographic data were collected using the self reported questionnaire. Oral examination of preschool children was
obtained following the World Health Organization criteria.

             The result showed that the prevalence of deciduous dental caries was 82.5% Caries free was 17.5 percent. The average of caries experience was 5.93 and was higher than the Thai national figure (4.4). The prevalence of tooth loss was 6% and was lower than the national score (8.2%). The finding may be used for dental service planning and dental health promotion.