Pohnpei Survey Results Indicate Poor Dental Health

by Amy Levendusky

Out of 85 children of Mand, Madolenihm, from one to fourteen years of age, screened on July 28, 2005, only 3 (3.5%) had healthy teeth. The screening took place as part of the project entitled "Documentation of the Traditional Food System of Pohnpei" sponsored by the Island Food Community of Pohnpei. The Mand Community Working Group requested that a dental screening be given to their children and the Dental Division of the Pohnpei Department of Health led by Dr. Marcella Gallen supported their request.

Following the screening, the Dental Division carried out a second visit to Mand to give the children fluoride varnish dental treatments. All parents were advised to bring their children to the Dental Division at the hospital if further treatment was necessary.

Results from the screening of the 49 males and 36 females, ages 1-14, indicated that many children had teeth that were so damaged that they were indicated for extraction. Many had already had their permanent teeth extracted. Few children had had dental treatment (filled teeth) for those teeth needing it. Most children had multiple caries (cavities), up to 16 caries per child. The number of caries was greatest in the 5 to 6 year old children, with a mean of 7 caries per child among males and 7.5 caries per child among females. The mean number of caries per child was greater among females compared to males for all age groups except one.

The dental health status of the children is a matter of great concern. These children are likely to lose their natural teeth at an early age and may also suffer severe pain and infection due to the many cavities. The present situation is very likely to be a result of a poor diet (coupled with poor dental hygiene) with high amounts of refined sugar and sweet foods. Sugar contains no vitamins or minerals at all. Thus, such a diet is also usually related to dietary deficiencies, poor growth and poor cognitive development.

Pohnpei families need to be aware of the serious consequences of giving their children sweet drinks and candy, and adding sugar to local food dishes. Kiped Albert, village leader in Mand assisting in facilitating the Mand meetings, presented the results of the dental screening to the Mand Community in two different meetings in August 2006. He, Yumiko Paul and Welsihter Hagilmai also talked to the community about a good diet and to be aware of hidden sugars that are contained in common processed foods.

The simple lessons are: 1) eat a balanced diet with fresh foods, avoiding refined sugar; 2) brush your teeth regularly, keeping good dental hygiene; and 3) visit the dentist at regular intervals, making sure that cavities are given proper dental treatment.

The IFCP thanks the Mand community and our collaborating partners and support agencies, including the Pohnpei Office of Economic Affairs, Department of Health, Department of Land and Natural Resources, COM/FSM Land Grant, Centre of Indigenous Peoples' Nutrition and Environment (CINE), Pacific German Regional Forestry Project (PGRFP) and Sight and Life.