Dental Caries Experience in Cambodia: Findings from the 2011 Cambodia National Oral Health Survey

Objectives: To report the results of the 2011 National Oral Health Survey which was conducted to assess the dental caries, sequelae, and selected risk indicators in the population. Methods: A sample of 2028 participants aged 6, 12-13, 15-17 and 35-44 was recruited from Phnom Penh and four provinces to represent age, sex, and urban/rural locations. Examinations were conducted using ambient light and mouth mirrors by standardized examiners. Tooth-specific data were obtained to calculate the number of decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft) and number of teeth with pulp, ulcer, fistula, and abscess sequelae (PUFA index). Interviews were carried out to collect socio-demographic and behavioral information. T and ƒO2 tests were used to assess statistical differences (ƒ? < 0.05). Results: The prevalence of dental caries was 93% at age 6 years, and 80% at age 12-13, and 35-44 years. At age 6 years, the mean dmft was 9.0 (standard deviation [SD] 4.9) and the mean PUFA 2.7 (SD 2.8); at age 12-13 years the mean DMFT was 3.8 (SD 3.6) and the mean PUFA 0.9 (SD 1.6); at age 35-44 years the mean DMFT was 5.6 (SD 5.8) and the mean PUFA 1.9 (SD 3.1). There was a high frequency of cariogenic foods consumption by children and adolescents, and prolonged nocturnal breastfeeding was common. Around 62% of children aged 6 years had not started tooth brushing yet. Conclusion: The Cambodian population experiences a high burden of dental caries requiring immediate public health interventions.