An epidemiological study was performed on caries, fluorosis and plaque in children of refugees 8, 9 and 10 years of age. Tooth brushing habits and dental attendance were evaluated with a questionnaire. Of the 87 children participating (response rate 89%), 85% showed caries experience, 17% fluorosis and 46% clearly visible plaque. Only 14% of the children had filled teeth. The number of children brushing their teeth two times a day was 42%; 58% ever visited a dentist, mostly because of toothache. Statistically significant differences exist between ethnic categories for caries prevalence, tooth brushing frequency and dental attendance. As oral health in refugee children turned out to be less favourable than in Dutch children, organised activities are recommended to fulfill the observed need of professional curative and preventive oral care.

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tooth disease Netherlands refugee Oral Health human Refugees statistics Oral Hygiene mouth hygiene Dental Plaque Fluorosis, Dental tooth plaque Dental Care for Children Dental Health Surveys ethnology health Dental Care Humans male female questionnaire dental caries Article Questionnaires Child health survey