Susan L. Ivey, M.D., M.H.S.A.
,
School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Wenting Guo, BA
,
School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Berkeley, CA
Debbie Huang, BS
,
Health Research for Action, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Tuyen Nguyen, BA
,
Health Research for Action, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Long Pham, BA
,
Health Research for Action, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Michelle Ta, BA, BS
,
Health Research for Action, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Alexander Vu, BA
,
Health Research for Action, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Phuong Vu
,
Health Research for Action, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley
Thu Nguyen
,
Health Research for Action, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Jamesuel Nguyen
,
Health Research for Action, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Nhat-Thanh Nguyen
,
Health Research for Action, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Karen Sokal-Gutierrez, MD, MPH
,
Health and Medical Sciences, University of California - Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Trong Hung Hoang, DDS
,
Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology and Department of Dental Public Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy-Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Background: Early childhood tooth decay is a prevalent yet neglected infectious disease, affecting 50-95% of young children under age 6 in many developing regions. Concurrently, many developing nations are experiencing high rates of malnutrition. Our study seeks to provide a low-cost, prevention-focused intervention in Vietnam to overcome poor dental health and malnutrition. Methods: We enrolled 601 children between two and six years old in 5 sites in Vietnam. We provided semi-annual fluoride varnish applications and annual lessons on nutrition and oral hygiene to children and their parents and teachers. We measured the children's height and weight and determined dmft (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) status utilizing dental exams. We collected data regarding nutrition and oral hygiene practices from guardians through questionnaires. Results: Our baseline data showed that 75% of the enrolled children had at least one tooth-decay, and on average they had 5.7 decayed, missing or filled teeth. The prevalence of tooth decay increased from 17% among 2 year-olds to 63% among 3 year-olds, and 93% among 6 year-olds. Half of parents reported his/her child had complained of mouth pain, and half noted his/her child has trouble eating due to mouth pain. About 36% of the children consumed soda, 50% sweets/confectionary, and 60% chips at least once a week. Among the children, 37% were overweight and 21% obese. Conclusions: The data show a high prevalence of tooth decay and malnutrition among the children. The relationship between nutrition status and oral health is complex, and directionality should be further investigated.
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