Among 263 children aged 6–36 months attending one Bangkok university hospital and two provincial hospitals, overall caries prevalence was 39.5%. Provincial children had a median debris index of 1.50 versus .67 and more severely affected tooth surfaces, 30.6% versus 9.7%. Residence, erupted teeth, cariogenic snacks and sugar-sweetened drinks were associated with poor hygiene and caries.
Key findings
- Overall caries was 39.5%. Provincial median debris was 1.50 [IQR 1.33] versus .67 [1.16], and severely affected surfaces were 30.6% versus 9.7%. Bangkok parental knowledge was 8.0 [2.0] versus 5.0 [4.0]. Education below a bachelor degree was associated with poor hygiene, but not reported as an independent caries factor.
Why this matters globally
Caries and disparities emerge before school age. Prevention can be integrated with antenatal care, well-child services, food environments and dental access rather than waiting for symptomatic disease.
Thai researcher contribution
Mahidol dental researchers combined ICDAS examinations with family data to document the early emergence of oral-health disparities in Thailand.
Limitations to consider
Clinic attendees were not population-sampled, so 39.5% is not a national estimate. Three hospitals may differ in referral mix; parent-reported one-time behavior invites recall and social-desirability bias, and regression cannot establish causation.