Factors Related to Tooth Loss Due to Dental Caries among Workers in an Industrial Estates in Thailand
Supaporn Chatrchaiwiwatana PhD*, Amornrat Ratanasiri PhD**, Jeeratip Jaidee MSc***, Surasak Soontorn PhD***
Affiliation : * Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand ** Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand *** Suphanburi Public Health College, Suphanburi, Thailand
Objective : The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and factors related to tooth loss due to dental caries among
workers in industrial estates in Pathumthani and Phranakhorn Si Ayutthaya provinces in central Thailand.
Material and Method: The present study utilized quantitative and qualitative methodologies. A quantitative study was done
using a cross-sectional analytic method with a sample group of 457 adults (283 males; 174 females) between 19 and 53 years.
Data were obtained through an oral examination and oral health behavior questionnaire. Data analyses were done using
descriptive, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression statistics. In-depth interviews were used to collect qualitative data
from 11 subjects.
Results : Most (62.2%) participants had tooth loss due to caries and findings from the final multivariable logistic regression
model revealed that such loss was associated with education, residency, use of social security welfare, decayed teeth and filled
teeth. Relatedly, the in-depth interview confirmed that tooth loss due to dental caries was related to (1) lack of time to visit a
dentist (2) have a negative attitude toward or a phobia regarding dental treatment (3) inability to afford the high cast of dental
treatment (4) lack of knowledge in regarding dental caries prevention, root canal treatment and the harmful effects of losing
teeth (5) choosing to get an extraction upon having caries exposed pulp and (6) lack of oral health promotion programs
provided by either the government or private sectors.
Conclusion : The government and non-government organizations should promote oral health in an industrial estates and
provide services and welfare for dental health of workers in an industrial estate appropriate to their socio-economic needs.
Keywords : Tooth loss, Workers in an industrial estates, Thailand
