A study of dental caries and behavior of oral health care of children age between 3-12 years.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the oral health status of children aged 3-12 years old. Their beliefs and behaviors related to oral health were access by structured questionnaire. Data of children 3-5 yrs was collected from their care takers, the others were reported by the children themselves. Qualitative data about surrounding context was collected from the leaders of the villages to explain the environmental and social factors which determined the oral health status of the children.

696 children were sampled from 3 districts ; Muang, Detudom, and Sumrong, in Ubonratchathani using multi-stage sampling technique. The result revealed that most of the sample families were agricultures and quite poor. Most of the children began their education at kindergarten child development centers in their tambons then proceeded in primary schools nearby. There were remarkable increasing numbers of retail shops and food shops in the villages. Mobil retail cars which carried variety of snacks and food made the children spend more money for these unhealthy food. The major sources of health information were broadcasting, health officers and village health volunteers. Herbs still plays significant role in the people oral health care. Health center was a first contact when the children got ill and then for more serious condition they went to the community hospital. However most of oral health treatment was provided by the hospital.

Most of the sampled were took care by their own parents (71.2%, 76.5% and 78.3% in 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12 yrs. respectively). The 48.3% of 6-8 yrs. and 45.7% of 9-12 yrs. brushed their teeth 2 times/day. There was only 1.7% of 3-5 yrs. brushing their teeth. 44.1% of 3-5 yrs' parents usually inspected their childrens mouths. The elder groups received less inspection. There was 77.9% of 3-5 yrs. children affected by dental caries. There were more prevalent in the 6-8 yrs. groups; 90.2%. The figure of mean dmft were 5.58 in 3-5 yrs. and 7.54 in 6-8 yrs. The dental caries in permanent teeth of 9-12 yrs was 70.8% with mean DMFT 2.60. The prevalence of dental caries status in this study was higher then the figure of the provincial level. The normal living of the people were dramatically changed to more unhealthy behavior; ie more snacks, soft drink and junk food. Especially for these remote groups, there were many misunderstanding and malpractice which need to reshape in order to improve the children oral health in the future.