Effect of School Oral Health Promotion Programme on dental health and health behaviour in Vietnamese schoolchildren

Abstract Objective This study was designed to (1) determine dental caries and gingivitis and (2) assess the effect of oral health behaviour and self-perception on dental caries experience of Vietnamese schoolchildren aged 8–10 years old, involved in the School Oral Health Promotion Programme (SOHPP). Methods A total of 556 schoolchildren were examined clinically for dental caries, gingival and oral hygiene status following the WHO's "Oral Health Survey" (1997) guidelines and were asked about oral health behaviour and self-perception related to dental caries. Results 87.9% of schoolchildren had experienced dental caries (dft + DFT = 4.1 ± 3.2), 76.8% had gingivitis. 8-year-old schoolchildren experienced a significantly higher prevalence of caries compared to 9- and 10-year-olds (p = 0.007). Good oral hygiene was observed in 13.5% of schoolchildren; 90% brushed their teeth at least once a day; 60% had visited a dentist during last 12 months. No significant difference was found in oral hygiene behaviours related to reducing dental caries. The odds of high dental caries level dft + DFT>6 was significantly associated with schoolchildren's self-perception of "I am afraid of having a dental check-up." (OR = 1.7, p = 0.012), "I often feel discomfort due to toothache during the last 12 months." (OR = 1.9, p = 0.001), and consumption of milk with sugar ≥ 1 time/day (OR = 1.6, p = 0.040). Conclusion Although the caries experience was at moderate level, there is the high prevalence of dental caries and gingivitis status among the Vietnamese schoolchildren due to lack of oral self-care and infrequent dental visits. The positive contents of SOHPP have not yet improved oral health behaviour of schoolchildren.