Prevalence of Common Oral Diseases Among Children Aged 3-5 years in San Juan, Batangas Province, Philippines

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Dental caries is an overlooked affliction among children, affecting a child's wellbeing and creating substantial economic cost both on the family and community. Scarcity of data on the oral health status of Filipino children was the reason for this study. The present study, therefore, aimed to describe the common oral diseases afflicting school children aged 3-5 years old in San Juan, Batangas.

Methodology: Using a descriptive cross-sectional study design and purposive sampling, data were collected from children (n=324) aged 3-5 years old in 5 public day care centers in San Juan, Batangas. Data collection involved oral examination of children, distribution of self-administered questionnaires to parents/caregivers, and interview of teachers as key informants. Collected data were summarized as percentages and mean values.

Results: Overall prevalence for dental caries is 94.13%, 8.86 mean dmft and 3.0 mean pufa. As the children got older the prevalence and mean for both dmft and pufa likewise increased. Boys showed higher prevalence and mean scores in their dmft and pufa. Dental caries, pulpitis, periapical disease and the presence of ulcerations were the most common oral manifestations. The overwhelmingly poor oral health conditions of the children appear to affect their school attendance.

Conclusion: The children in the selected day care centers in San Juan, Batangas manifest severe early childhood caries and a relatively high-unmet treatment needs. We recommend, therefore, the institution of preventive oral health policies and strategies for children 0-<6 years as well as provision of accessible and responsive dental services for this fragile age group.

Key words: Severe-ECC, early childhood caries, pufa, dmft