More than 60% of adults in Vietnam suffer from gingivitis and periodontitis, said Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Cao Binh, director of the National Hospital of Odonto-Stomatology in Hanoi and president of the Vietnam Odonto-Stomatology Association.
Among children aged six to eight, about 86% experience tooth decay, with an average of 6.21 cavities per child, the expert added, noting that over 79% of the elderly have lost teeth.
Dr. Binh attributed these dental problems to a lack of awareness about oral hygiene. Many people do not maintain proper brushing habits, leading to plaque buildup and harmful bacteria. Poor dietary choices, including excessive consumption of sugary foods, carbonated drinks, and high-sugar products, further increase the risk of tooth decay.
Limited access to dental care, especially in rural and mountainous areas, also poses a significant challenge. Many residents struggle to reach quality oral health services.
The findings are based on the third National Oral Health Survey conducted in 2019, which reported that over 90% of Vietnam’s population has dental health issues.
To address these concerns, the Ministry of Health is implementing the 2021–2030 National Project on Strengthening Dental Care Capacity and Community Oral Disease Prevention, aiming to reduce the prevalence of cavities and gingivitis in children and tooth loss in the elderly through awareness campaigns, training programs, and preventive dental care efforts. (Suc Khoe Doi Song)