Exploring the root of dental caries
LACK of awareness and the neglect of oral hygiene practices from infancy are the causes of dental caries among youths.

This neglect, said World Cavity-Free Future Day (WCFFD) chairperson Dr Zuhty Hamzah, extends through the formative years of schoolchildren and adolescents.

Only 4.1% of the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2022: Adolescent Health Survey (AHS) respondents perceived their oral health as poor or very poor, but the reality is far more worrying.

The report also indicated that only 32.6% of adolescents in Sabah had sought dental care within the past 12 months. This marked a notable decrease from the 40.6% reported in the 2017 AHS.

“Perception does not necessarily reflect the reality of their oral health.

“Most adolescents are unaware of their oral health status – that is why yearly routine dental check-ups are important to detect cavities at their earliest stage, preventing and subsequently controlling the problem from the onset,” she told StarEdu.

According to the National Oral Health Survey of Preschool Children (NOHPS) in 2015 and the Health Ministry’s 2017 Oral Health Programme annual report, the prevalence of caries among five-year-old children in Malaysia was 71.3%, with a whooping 99.8% of schoolchildren across the board needing at least one type of oral healthcare, Dr Zuhty noted.

The Health Ministry’s Kudat dental officer added that children with early childhood caries (ECC) face a greater risk of developing future dental issues in their permanent teeth.

“Pupils buying candy from sellers outside school compounds is the most incriminating factor leading to dental caries.

“These unhealthy eating habits may persist into their teenage years and, consequently, extend into adulthood, with severe consequences for oral health if the issue is not effectively mitigated,” she said.

In conjunction with WCFFD 2023, the Alliance for a Cavity-Free Future (ACFF) Malaysia Chapter organised a two-day event to raise awareness of dental caries in Kota Kinabalu.

It was organised in collaboration with the Sabah Dental Division, the Malaysian Association of Dental Public Health Specialists (MADPHS), the Oral Health Division Malaysia, Institute of Teacher Education (IPG) Gaya Campus in Sabah, the Malaysian Dental Association, and the Malaysian Association of Paediatric Dentistry.

Held from Oct 29 to 30, the event featured free dental examinations, health screening tests, and a scientific symposium to empower and educate the public on proper oral health and various aspects related to dental care.

Better preventive strategies are needed to effectively overcome the problem among the younger generation, Dr Zuhty said.

“This year, the focus is on Sabah as the state has been identified to have a high prevalence and incidence of dental caries, especially cavities.

“The support of teachers can and will significantly enhance the likelihood of these children having a future free from dental caries,” she added.

Similar community engagements were previously held in Penang, Terengganu, Negri Sembilan and Pahang, said Dr Zuhty.

Sabah deputy director of health (oral health) Dr Thaddius Herman Maling said the state has some of the worst oral health problems in the country due to limited accessibility and availability of oral healthcare services, lack of water fluoridation, and various demographic obstacles.

“The healthcare infrastructure remains feeble and unevenly dispersed, especially throughout rural areas.

“As such, we proposed implementing a fluoride mouth rinsing programme that employs targeted community approaches to enhance oral health among schoolchildren residing in remote regions,” said Dr Thaddius, who was a speaker at the WCFFD 2023 scientific symposium.

Sabah health director Datuk Dr Asits Sanna said dental caries are a significant health problem worldwide that not only affects adults, but also a large number of children.

“About 60% to 90% of children are affected by this disease. It is something that needs to be taken seriously.

“The prevention of dental caries among children and teenagers is important because it is more cost-effective compared to the cost of dental treatment.

“Lack of awareness in the prevention of dental caries is one of the factors that contribute to this problem,” he said in his speech.

During the event, a workshop was also conducted to train aspiring teachers in promoting good oral health practices among students.

The workshop was aimed at providing IPG educators with the essential knowledge and strategies required to guide students in maintaining excellent oral health.

ACFF Malaysia Chapter chairman and Universiti Malaya Adjunct Professor Dr Rahimah Abdul Kadir said although tooth decay remains a prevalent health issue in Malaysia, it is easily preventable.

“Through our programmes, we want to raise public awareness of proper oral health habits, the right brushing techniques, and the roles of families, caregivers, teachers and the community in promoting oral health.

“If everyone plays their part in promoting effective oral health regimes, we can prevent not only dental cavities, but periodontal diseases too,” Dr Rahimah, who was the moderator for the WCFFD 2023 scientific symposium, said.

Oral diseases, such as dental caries, may not be important conversational topics among the public, but community awareness is vital as the effects of caries and cavities are far-reaching, she added.

“A cavity-free future is only achievable if everyone plays a role in encouraging one another to understand and realise the importance of oral health,” Dr Rahimah concluded.
LACK of awareness and the neglect of oral hygiene practices from infancy are the causes of dental caries among youths.