90% of Vietnamese Have Tooth Decay: Survey

Over 90% of Vietnamese suffer from dental disease and 85% of Vietnamese children have tooth decay, according to the surveys conducted by the National Hospital of Odonto-Stomatology. The surveys show an alarming rate of dental problems among the country’s young: 85% of children aged 6 to 8 have decayed baby (milk) teeth, while 54.6% in the 9-11 age group have permanent tooth decay. The number of people suffering dental caries increases in accordance with their age and the severity. The rate of children with severely crooked teeth stands at around 80%-90%. Experts said this was due to children’s baby teeth not receiving proper treatment. The surveys also found that two-thirds of children aged between 6 and 14 never had a dental check-up. Worse still, 100% of primary school students are not in the habit of brushing their teeth three times a day. According to the Vietnam Odonto-Maxillo-Facial’s figures, there is one dentist in Vietnam for 25,000 people, whereas in developed countries the rate is one per 1,000-2,000 people. Recognizing the importance of oral health care, a dental school program has been conducted across the country since 1990, covering all 63 provinces. Under the program, schools hold a teeth brushing festival day and other informational activities annually. (vietnamnews.vn Jan 11)