Results from the 2011 Cambodian National Oral Health Survey

Objective: The 2011 National Oral Health Survey was conducted in order to measure the oral disease burden in Cambodia. Methods: Oral examinations following standard WHO methodology were carried out on a representative sample of 2028 participants from schools and homes in five provinces, including Phnom Penh. Results: There was a high prevalence of dental caries: 6 year olds, 93.1%; 12- to 13-year olds, 80.1%; and 35- to 44-year olds, 80.4%. There was also a high severity of dental caries: mean dmft of 9.0 (SD 4.9) and a mean pufa score of 2.7 (SD 2.8) for the six-year olds; mean DMFT of 3.8 (SD 3.6) and a mean PUFA score of 0.9 (SD 1.6) for the 12- to 13-year olds; and a mean DMFT of 5.6 (SD 5.8) and a mean PUFA score of 1.9 (SD 3.1) for the 35- to 44-year olds. The prevalence of those with the most severe CPITN score of three or more was 10.2% in the 35- to 44 age group and 33.5% in the 60 and above age group. The six year olds had poor oral health behaviours with 54.0% reporting that they do not yet brush their teeth, and 47.4% reporting that they eat sweets every day. Conclusion: The Cambodian population has a large burden of dental caries, which is particularly seen in the children.  This may be associated with the late commencement of oral hygiene practices, and a high consumption of cariogenic foods.