Socio-behavioral and clinical determinants of high caries experience among 12-year-old Thai schoolchildren: a cross-sectional study

Background: High caries experience among schoolchildren represents a substantial disease burden. Understanding the associated factors is essential for developing targeted prevention strategies. This study aimed to identify socio-behavioral and clinical factors associated with high caries experience among 12-year-old Thai schoolchildren. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 12-year-old schoolchildren in Pathum Thani Province, Thailand. Data were collected through clinical oral examinations and structured questionnaires completed by children and their primary caregivers to assess sociodemographic characteristics, oral health behaviors, and oral clinical conditions. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression were used for analysis. Results: A total of 400 children were included in the analysis. The mean Decayed, Missing, and Filled Permanent Teeth (DMFT) score was 2.60 (Standard Deviation (SD) = 2.41). Overall, 49.8% had high caries experience (DMFT ≥3). Multivariable analysis showed that low caregiver education level (middle school or lower) (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.67; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–2.72) and low family income (≤10,000 Thai Baht (THB)) (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.02–3.65) were significantly associated with high caries experience. Enamel defects in permanent molars (e.g., hypoplasia and hypomineralization) (AOR = 7.87; 95% CI: 2.95–20.95), fair oral hygiene (AOR = 2.62; 95% CI: 1.60–4.28), poor oral hygiene (AOR = 4.23; 95%CI: 2.43–7.38), infrequent toothbrushing (AOR = 3.55; 95% CI: 1.34–9.44), frequent consumption of cariogenic snacks (≥3 times/day) (AOR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.21–3.55), and daily consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (AOR = 5.19; 95% CI: 2.94–9.15) were also independently associated with high caries experience. Conclusions: High caries experience among 12-year-old Thai schoolchildren was associated with socioeconomic disadvantage, enamel defects in permanent molars, fair-to-poor oral hygiene, infrequent toothbrushing, and cariogenic dietary behaviors. These findings may help guide oral health promotion policies and targeted preventive strategies in this population.

Dental caries; Caries experience; Schoolchildren; Enamel defects; Oral hygiene; Plaque index; Toothbrushing; Oral health promotion

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