Over 90% of Vietnam’s population face dental problems with a higher rate recorded among the elderly, one official said.
 |
| On average, a child is likely to have at least six decayed teeth |
A recent national survey on dental health indicated that 98% of those who aged from 35-44 have dental problems, said Prof. Dr. Trinh Dinh Hai, Director of the Central Odonto-Maxillo-Facial Hospital.
According to Hai, the older people get, the more tooth decay they incur. The survey revealed as many as 90% of people aged over 45 have dental problems, with an average of over eight teeth suffering from decay.
The rate of dental care among children is also of great concern. Up to 85% of children aged from six to eight have dental problems. On average, a child is likely to have at least six decayed teeth.
Over 90% of children suffer from tooth deviation due to poor dental care, respiratory diseases, congenital deformities and habitual thumb sucking.
He attributed the high rate of dental problems to the lack of fluoride in water supplies.
In order to improve the situation, the hospital has been speeding up the implementation of a project to add fluoride to free cooking seasoning products. They will pilot the project in one commune in the northern province of Lao Cai’s Bat Xat District, he added.