More than 81 per cent of pre-school and primary school pupils nationwide suffer from tooth decay, a recent survey from Ha Noi Medical University has found.

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The survey found nearly 26% of children to have lost their baby-teeth too early. (Photo: VIR)

The survey was conducted among nearly 7,780 children from age four to eight and their parents at five cities and provinces across the country, including Lang Son, Thai Binh, Ha Noi, Binh Thuan and Tien Giang.

It also found that more than 91 per cent of children had no idea of how to brush their teeth properly. According to the university’s experts, unclean teeth is the main factor in tooth decay and other dental and gum diseases. Children between four and eight years old need to take good care of their teeth and adopt the habit of cleaning their teeth, especially after meals.

The survey found nearly 26 per cent of children to have lost their baby-teeth too early, which could lead to sub-standard pronunciation and a disproportionate number of teeth, affecting children physically and aesthetically.

Dr Truong Manh Dung, head of the Teeth, Jaw and Face Hospital under the Ha Noi Medical University, said brushing teeth was the most effective method to avoid dental problems. However, many parents still neglect personal oral hygiene, making it more challenging to teach the practice to children.

Specifically, about 85 per cent of parents expressed their concern about their children’s teeth, but only 65 per cent took their children to dentists, mostly when serious decay and dental diseases were reported.

Dung said parents should take more responsibility to educate their children about dental care. Adults should use soft towels or cloths for children under two years old and tooth paste with fluoride for those who are older.

Dung also said that children must clean their teeth at least twice a day and have regular dental check-ups every six months to avoid unexpected diseases.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News