Dental and periodontal findings in seafarers: A single-center retrospective study in Bangkok, Thailand.

Abstract

Background: Dental problems are common among seafarers due to unique environmental, occupational, and lifestyle factors that may impact their dental health. This study aims to assess the prevalence of dental and periodontal problems among Thai seafarers.

Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 602 Thai seafarers who received oral health assessments and were subsequently categorized based on dental readiness classification (DRC) from dentists at Somdech Phra Pinklao Hospital from November 2021 to October 2023.

Results: The prevalence of dental caries among seafarers was 43.5% with significant differences in the number of dental caries between officers and non-officers (p < 0.0001). The mean (SD) of decayed, missing, and filled teeth were 1.2 (± 2.0), 2.9 (± 3.3), and 1.6 ± (2.8), respectively. About fifty percent of the seafarers were categorized as DRC 1, 44.9% as DRC 2, and 5.3% as DRC 3. Dental findings of non-officers were significantly more likely to be not dentally fit compared to officers (AOR = 2.179, 95% CI: 1.396-3.402). Dental scaling was the most required treatment, needed by 53.7% of the study population.

Conclusions: High rates of dental caries and periodontal disease are found among seafarers. Incorporating comprehensive dental assessments into pre-boarding fitness evaluations for seafarers can help reduce the likelihood of dental emergencies while at sea.