Purpose: The present survey examined the need for dental treatment for caries among
Cambodian children as well as the living environments of such children. Then, based on
the results we assessed whether education programs aimed at caries prevention are
required in Cambodia.
Methods: Between 2010 and 2012, 1893 children (age: 3, 5, or 12 years), who were living in
Siem Reap Province or Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, were subjected to oral
examinations and a survey. Then, the relationship between the prevalence of caries
among the children and living environment factors was examined based on the survey
data.
Results: There was no significant difference in the prevalence of caries between Siem Reap
Province and Phnom Penh. The mean prevalence rate of caries and the children's mean df
tooth index (dft) and decay-missing-filled tooth (DMFT) scores were higher than those seen
in Japan in all age groups. The proportion of treated teeth was low in all age groups, which
suggested that a number of children had not consulted dentists. Many of the children
regularly ate snacks containing sugar, which are closely associated with caries.
Conclusion: Providing dental health education for parents and appropriate brushing advice
for children would probably reduce the incidence of caries among Cambodian children. It is
necessary to establish systems for preventing dental disorders in Cambodia as promptly as
possible.