Related Experiment Videos

Early childhood caries and related factors in Vientiane, Lao PDR

Sakpaseuth Senesombath1, Siriruk Nakornchai, Panit Banditsing

  • 1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.

The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health
|June 29, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Early childhood caries is highly prevalent (82%) in Vientiane, Laos, affecting 36-47 month olds. High severity (dmft 5.5) indicates a critical need for improved oral health care programs.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Early childhood caries (ECC) poses a significant global health challenge.
  • Limited data exists on ECC prevalence and associated factors in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine ECC prevalence and oral health status in Vientiane children aged 36-47 months.
  • To assess feeding, hygiene, and dental visit practices influencing ECC.
  • To identify risk factors for ECC in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving 400 children aged 36-47 months in Vientiane.
  • Clinical oral examinations to assess caries (dmft index).
  • Caretaker interviews to gather data on feeding, hygiene, and lifestyle factors.

Main Results:

  • High ECC prevalence (82%) with a mean dmft of 5.5 +/- 4.3.
  • Upper incisors and molars were most affected; no missing teeth were observed.
  • Caries severity was linked to brushing frequency, parental supervision, feeding patterns, and consumption of sugary items.

Conclusions:

  • Children in Vientiane exhibit a high prevalence and severity of early childhood caries.
  • Urgent promotion of oral health care programs is recommended for this age group.
  • Targeted interventions addressing diet and hygiene practices are crucial.

Related Concept Videos

Tooth Anatomy01:21

Tooth Anatomy

The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
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.
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Teeth01:15

Teeth

The formation of teeth, also known as odontogenesis, is a complex process that begins in utero, around the sixth week of embryonic development. There are three stages to this process: the bud stage, the cap stage, and the bell stage.
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...
Lifestyle Factors and Health01:20

Lifestyle Factors and Health

Lifestyle factors play a critical role in maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases. Key elements, such as regular physical activity, a nutritious diet, and abstinence from smoking, can significantly enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being while reducing the risk of several life-threatening conditions.
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Parkinson Disease l: Introduction01:24

Parkinson Disease l: Introduction

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement. It is characterized by motor symptoms such as resting tremors, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability. Patients may notice hand tremors at rest, stiffness during movement, or a shuffling gait. In addition to motor features, non-motor symptoms include sleep disturbances, mood and behavioral changes, constipation, and cognitive impairment, all of which...