Caries experience and salivary microorganisms of 12-year-old-school-children in Vientiane, Laos

Objective: To determine dental caries experience and salivary microorganisms of 12-year-old school children in Vientiane, Lao P.D.R. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 12-year-old school children in Vientiane, Lao P.D.R. during 2010 to 2011. A total of 317 subjects were randomized for oral examination according to WHO criteria and salivary microorganisms e.g (mutans streptococci, Lactobacilli and candida) were investigated using Modified Dip slide test. Self-administered questionnaires were used in the study. Results: Dental caries experience was found in 80.4% of the subjects with the mean DMFT of 3.1±2.9. Mutans streptococci and lactobacilli were found in all of subjects and about one-third (37%) had high level of these two bacterias in their oral cavity. A low level of candida was found in 29.6% of subjects. The frequent intake of sugary drink and confectionery was found in 78% of subjects. Most of the subjects (87.1%) brushed their teeth at least twice daily and 61.2% had seen dentists within the past year. Conclusion: Dental caries experience was found to be high. High level of caries-associated bacteria was found in saliva of about one-third of subjects. Data from this study could be used as base information for oral health education, prevention program and dental services in this population.