Tooth-Specific Eruption Rates and Oral Health Status of 12-Year-Old Children in Laos

Objective: This study aimed to analyze tooth-specific eruption rates and oral health status among 12-year-old children in Laos and to provide evidence for planning targeted public oral health programs. Methods:This secondary analysis used raw data from oral health surveys conducted in Laos in 2018 and 2019.A total of 537 children aged 12 years were included.Tooth-level analyses were performed for permanent teeth by combining left and right counterparts, yielding 1,074 teeth per tooth type.Each tooth was classified into eight status categories (sound, decayed, filled, missing due to caries, missing due to non-caries reasons, sealed, non-caries treated, and unerupted).Tooth-specific eruption rates and oral health status scores were calculated and compared across tooth types and regions. Results:Eruption rates were highest for anterior teeth and first molars in both arches, while second molars showed substantially lower eruption rates, particularly in the maxilla.Mandibular teeth generally exhibited higher eruption rates than maxillary teeth.Tooth-specific oral health status scores were high overall; however, first molars-especially mandibular first molars-showed relatively lower health scores compared with anterior teeth and premolars.Second molars demonstrated high health scores despite incomplete eruption. Conclusion:Tooth-specific analysis revealed that first molars are the most vulnerable teeth among 12-year-old Lao children, while second molars represent a critical window for preventive intervention.Incorporating tooth-specific eruption patterns and oral health status into public oral health planning may improve the effectiveness and efficiency of caries prevention programs in Laos.