Oral hygiene, diet and dental caries among rural Vietnamese schoolchildren

Dental caries is a massive health and economic burden in developing countries, resulting in pain and suffering. Few studies have investigated caries and associated factors for rural Vietnamese children. This study was conducted with Rotary Australia Vietnam Dental Health Project 2007, a humanitarian program aimed at improving oral health of this group. Objective: To study oral hygiene practices, dietary habits and caries among rural Vietnamese children. Methods: A total of 142 children (12-16yrs) attending 4 schools in Ben Cau, Vietnam, were studied, completing an anonymous written questionnaire (in Vietnamese) on gender; age; frequency, timing and aids used for tooth cleaning; and consumption of sweet foods and drinks. A DMFT score was obtained for 69, 12 yr olds. Caries experience was compared between subgroups (X₂ trend; a=0.05). Results: Of all subjects, most (76.7%) cleaned their teeth ≥2/day, before breakfast and before bed (51.4%), using toothbrush+toothpaste+toothpicks (67%). Caries prevalence of 12 yr olds was 96%; DMFT (mean ±SD): 4.4 ± 2.3. Mean exposure to sweet foods and drinks was 2.6 ± 1.6 times/day. Caries experience increased with increasing frequency of sweet drink consumption (X₂ trend =6.44, p<0.02). Caries in females exceeded that in males (5.1 ± 2.3 vs 3.6 ± 2.0; X₂ trend =7.72, p<0.01). DMFT for tooth cleaning before breakfast+before bed was lower than for all other patterns of tooth cleaning (4.1± 2.2 vs 4.6±2.5, ns). DMFT was not associated with cleaning frequency. Including traditional cleaning was associated with reduced caries experience (X₂ trend =82.86, p<0.001) Conclusions: Dental caries is highly prevalent in this sample of rural Vietnamese schoolchildren. Tooth cleaning before breakfast and before bed, and using traditional cleaning, was associated with lower caries. Increased frequency of sweet drink consumption was associated with greater caries experience. (Supported by Rotary Australia Vietnam Dental Health Project 2007; GC Corp.)