National oral health survey in 6- and 12-year-old Bhutanese school children

Abstract

Introduction: Dental caries is a highly prevalent and a significant public health problem affecting 70% to 95% of children, including adults in member states of the South East Asia region. Epidemiological data on the prevalence of dental caries amongst Bhutanese children at the national level is non-existent. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of dental caries, periodontal status, traumatic dental injuries and fluorosis in 6-and 12-year-old school children.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey in two age groups of school children in Bhutan was conducted in 2014. A total of 2904 students participated in the survey. A multistage cluster random sampling method was adopted that included samples from both urban and rural schools. The assessments for dental caries and periodontal conditions were done as per modified WHO methodology and criteria. Dental trauma and fluorosis were identified as present or absent irrespective of severity levels.

Results: Dental caries prevalence was 41.90% and 83.80% with mean DMFT/ dmft 0.80 and 5.54 for 12-and 6-year-olds respectively. Urban students had more caries than their rural counterparts. Overall, 13.00% of 12-year-olds had healthy gingiva but more calculus was detected in rural children. Dental trauma and fluorosis were very low (0.01% to 5.00%) in both the age groups.

Conclusions: Caries prevalence was very high in 6-year-olds while periodontal status in 12-year-olds was poor. Rural school children had lower caries levels compared to their urban counterparts. Imparting oral health awareness among parents can lower caries severity in younger children.