Dental problems plaguing students

"Recent records show that about 57 per cent of children aged 12 and studying in primary school are suffering tooth decay," Public Health Minister Wittaya Kaewparadia said yesterday.

The number of primary school students missing classes due to dental caries has increased from 422,000 in 2001 to 515,000 in 2007.

"Rotten teeth have threatened our young children and disturbed their daily lives," he said.

Tooth decay is a disease where bacterial processes damage hard tooth structures. These tissues progressively break down, producing dental cavities (holes in the teeth).

If left untreated, the disease can lead to pain, tooth loss, infection, and, in severe cases, death. Today, caries remains one of the most common diseases throughout the world.

In a bid to improve young children's dental health, Wittaya has instructed the Health Department to work closer with the Education Ministry.

Dr Narongsak Angkasuwapala said his department has introduced a "School with healthy teeth contest" to promote a dental care programme at the grassroots level.

"Schools and communities should team up to control the consumption of soft drinks and candy more strictly," he said.

Schools should teach children good dental care, such as how to brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste every time after breakfast and lunch.

"We want teachers to implant healthy dental habits in student's minds to take care their teeth and mouths," he said.