Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

A Standardized Approach to Extra-Oral and Intra-Oral Digital Photography
Published on: July 22, 2022
Dental caries prevalence and distribution among preschoolers in Singapore
1Department of Preventive Dentistry Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore.
Objective:
To describe the prevalence, severity and distribution of dental caries among preschoolers in Singapore.
Basic Research Design:
population-based, cross-sectional study.
Setting:
13 randomly selected People's Action Party Community Foundation (PCF) Education Centers, the main provider of preschool education in Singapore.
Participants:
1782 children aged 3-6 years.
Main Outcome Measures:
The caries status was evaluated by using WHO examination procedures and diagnostic criteria.
Results:
About 40% children (26%, 37%, and 49% for 3-4, 4-5, and 5-6 year-olds, respectively) were affected by caries. The mean (SD) deft and defs were 1.54 (2.75) and 3.30 (7.49), respectively. About 90% of the affected teeth were decayed teeth. A significantly skewed distribution of caries lesions was revealed, indicating that 16% children with high caries activity (deft > or =4) were carrying 78% lesions. Rampant caries, defined as caries affecting the smooth surfaces of two or more maxillary incisors, was found in 16.5% of children. About 61% of affected surfaces were smooth surfaces. Malays and boys tended to have more rampant caries. Higher caries severity and treatment need were found among Malays and children in the low socio-economic group.
Conclusions:
Caries is a severe oral health problem for Singaporean preschoolers, especially in the Malay community and among children with low economic status.
Related Concept Videos
Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
Prevalence and Incidence
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health condition at a...
The Oral Microbiota
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.