Correlación entre número de cepillados por día y cpod en escolares de 12 años de la parroquia El Vecino (Cuenca, Ecuador) 2016 / Correlation between the number of brushes per day and the DMFT index in 12-year-old school children from the El Vecino parish in Cuenca, Ecuador 2016

Objetivo: Correlacionar el número de cepillados por día y el índice CPOD en los escolares de 12 años de la parroquia El Vecino (Cuenca, Ecuador) en 2016. Materiales y métodos: El estudio fue de tipo comunicacional, cuantitativo, descriptivo y relacional. La población estuvo conformada por 279 fichas que pertenecen al estudio del mapa epidemiológico para los escolares de la parroquia El Vecino. La ficha de observación incluyó los siguientes datos: número de registro, edad, sexo, parroquia, índice de COPD. Resultados: En lo referente a la correlación entre el número de cepillado por día y el índice de CPOD, se demostró que existe una correlación inversa, la estadística significativa presentó un valor de p = 0,029. Conclusión: El presente estudio demostró que existe una correlación entre el número de cepillados por día y el índice CPOD. (AU)

Objective: Correlate the number of brushes per day and the decay-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) index in 12-year-old school children from the parish "El Vecino Cuenca - Ecuador 2016". Materials and Methods: The study was communicational, quantitative, descriptive and relational. The population consisted of 279 records from the study of the epidemiological map of schoolchildren in the "El Vecino" parish. The database included the registration number, age, sex, parish and DMFT Index. Results: There was an statistically significant inverse correlation between the number of brushes per day and the DMFT index with a p value = 0.029. Conclusion: The present study shows that there is a correlation between the number of brushes per day and the DMFT index. (AU)

Índice CPOD y limitación para hablar con claridad en escolares de 12 años, Cuenca-Ecuador / DMFT index and limitation in speaking clearly in 12-year-old schoolchildren, Cuenca, Ecuador

Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre CPO-D y la limitación autopercibida para hablar claro en escolares de 12 años de la parroquia El Batán (Cuenca, Ecuador). Materiales y métodos: Fue un estudio observacional, con un nivel relacional retrospectivo, que estuvo conformado por 154 fichas, que corresponde a 104 niñas y 50 niños. Se analizó las variables CPO-D y la limitación para hablar claro mediante estadística descriptiva, y la correlación se halló mediante la prueba estadística de Tau-b de Kendall. Resultados: El índice CPO-D, en general, fue muy bajo, con el 32,5%, seguido por el medio, con el 29,5%. El impacto de la limitación para hablar claro afectó al 35,6% para el sexo femenino y el 46,0% para el masculino. La relación fue significativa (p = 0,000) entre el CPO-D y la limitación para hablar claro, y su asociación fue baja y positiva (0,301). De acuerdo con el sexo, también mostró significancia y su asociación fue media para los niños (0,413) y baja para las niñas (0,261). Conclusión: Cerca de la tercera parte de los escolares mostró un índice bajo y medio de CPO-D. En cuanto a la limitación para hablar claro, menos de la tercera parte exhibió mucha limitación. Se encontró una correlación: entre mayor índice de caries dental mayor será la limitación autopercibida para hablar claro, aunque esta asociación fue baja, y afectó más a los niños que a las niñas de esta área urbana. (AU)

Objective: To determine the relationship between the decayed/missing/filled teeth (DMFT) index and self-perceived limitation in speaking clearly in 12-year-old schoolchildren from the ̈El Batán ̈ parish in Cuenca-Ecuador. Materials and methods: This was an observational study, with a retrospective relational level, consisting of 154 reports, corresponding to 104 girls and 50 boys. The DMFT variables and limitation to speak clearly were analyzed by descriptive statistics and correlation was determined by means of the Kendall's Tau-b statistical test. Results: The DMFT index was very low with 32.5%, followed by a medium of 29.5%; while the impact of the limitation to speak clearly affected 35.6% of the females and 46.0% of the males. The relationship between the DMFT index and the limitation to speak clearly was significant (p = 0.000), with a low positive association (0.301). It was also significant according to gender and with a medium association for boys (0.413) and low association for girls (0.261). Conclusion: About one third of schoolchildren showed a low and medium DMFT index. Less than one third of the children studied reported some limitation to speak clearly. There was a correlation between a higher index of dental cavities and a greater self-perceived limitation to speak clearly, although this association was low, affecting boys more frequently than girls in this urban area. (AU)

Prevalencia de enfermedades bucodentales en escolares de 6, 12 y 15 años en Islay (Arequipa, Perú) / Prevalence of oral diseases in schoolchildren of 6, 12 and 15 years old in Islay (Arequipa-Peru)

Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de enfermedades bucodentales en niños de 6, 12 y 15 años en Islay, Arequipa. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal. La muestra estuvo conformada por 360 estudiantes de 6, 12 y 15 años, de ambos sexos, que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. El nivel de confianza se determinó en un 95% y el margen de error en un 5%. Para evaluar las patologías orales, se utilizó los índices de IHO-S, IHOS-M, IPC-M, CPOD, ceod, el de la OMS y el de Dean. Los estudiantes fueron examinados visual y clínicamente. Resultados: Con referencia al IHO-S: buena higiene,72,5% en deciduos, 63,3% en permanentes; regular higiene, 27,5% en deciduos, 35,0% en permanentes; mala higiene, 1,7% en permanentes, existe diferencia significativa en cuanto a la edad. El CPOD fue de 6,71 cariados, 0,14 perdidos, 1,44 obturados y un promedio de 8,29; existe diferencia significativa según la edad. De acuerdo con el IPC-M, el 81,4% padece de gingivitis; el 57,5%, periodontitis; el 4,2%, periodontitis severa, y hay diferencias significativas según la edad. Las maloclusiones: oclusión normal, 38,9%; maloclusión leve, 38,6%, y moderada o severa, 22,5%; el 61,1% padece de maloclusiones. Respecto de la fluorosis, el 34,7% no presentó lesión; fluorosis cuestionable, 15%; fluorosis muy leve, 30,3%; fluorosis leve, 11,7%; fluorosis moderada, 1,1%; la prevalencia fue del 58,1%. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de enfermedades bucodentales es elevada y el riesgo de caries dental es alto. Se observa una regular y mala higiene en la dentición permanente. El porcentaje de gingivitis es alto. Las maloclusiones están en el rango de leve a moderado. La fluorosis dental está en un rango de muy leve. (AU)

Objective: To determine the prevalence of oral diseases in children 6, 12 and 15 years old in Islay, Arequipa. Materials and methods: Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 360 students of 6, 12 and 15 years of age of both sexes who met the inclusion criteria. The level of confidence was determined at 95% and the margin of error at 5%. To evaluate oral pathologies, the OHI-S, OHI-M, mPI/PI, DMFT, DMFS, the WHO and the Dean index were used. The students were examined visually and clinically. Results: Regarding IHO-S: good hygiene was observed in 72.5% in deciduous and 63.3% in permanent teeth; regular hygiene was found in 27.5% in deciduous and 35.0% in permanent teeth with poor hygiene in 1.7% in permanent teeth and significant differences in age. The CPOD showed 6.71 carious, 0.14 lost, 1.44 blocked and an average of 8.29 with significant differences in relation toage. According to the IPC-M, 81.4% had gingivitis, 57.5% periodontitis, 4.2 % severe periodontitis, with significant differences for age. Malocclusions included: normal occlusion 38.9%, mild malocclusion 38.6% and moderate or severe 22.5%; 61.1 % had malocclusions. In relation to fluorosis, 34.7% had no lesion, 15% questionable fluorosis, 30.3% very mild fluorosis, 11.7% mild fluorosis, and 1.1% moderate fluorosis with a prevalence of 58.1%. Conclusions: The prevalence of oral diseases and the risk of dental caries are high in children, with regular and poor hygiene being observed in permanent dentition. The percentage of gingivitis is high. The prevalence of malocclusions ranges from mild to moderate while the prevalence of dental fluorosisis is low. (AU)

Prevalência e severidade da cárie dentária em escolares do Ensino Fundamental de um município vulnerável / Prevalence and severity of dental caries in elementary school students in a vulnerable municipality

Resumo Introdução A cárie dentária ainda é um problema de saúde pública na maioria dos países industrializados, com maior prevalência nas populações mais vulneráveis socioeconomicamente. Objetivo Avaliar a prevalência e a severidade da cárie dentária, e as ações curativas realizadas em escolares de 6 a 14 anos do Ensino Fundamental durante quatro meses de intervenção. Material e método Estudo transversal foi realizado com 130 escolares do município de Sarandi-PR. Para o diagnóstico da cárie dentária, foram utilizados os índices ceo-d, CPO-D e ICDAS II. Os escolares receberam atendimento curativo de acordo com as necessidades apresentadas, associado a atividades educativas preventivas. Resultado A prevalência de cárie dentária foi de 70% e 83%, segundo os índice ceo-d/CPO-D e ICDAS II, respectivamente. Os códigos referentes ao ICDAS II com maior prevalência foram ICDAS 5 e 6 (1,57% e 3,69%, respectivamente), enquanto o código 4 foi o de menor prevalência (0,30%). A maioria dos tratamentos restauradores foi realizada pela técnica de Tratamento Restaurador Atraumático (ART) (150 restaurações). Foram realizadas 90 aplicações de verniz fluoretado em lesões iniciais de cárie. Os tratamentos de maior complexidade foram encaminhados para a Unidade Básica de Saúde do município. Dos 32 escolares referenciados, 21 compareceram e nestes foram realizados tratamentos endodônticos e exodontias de dentes decíduos e permanentes. Conclusão A população estudada apresenta prevalência alta de cárie e, após quatro meses de intervenção, observou-se que o ART foi resolutivo para a maioria das necessidades de tratamento (59,2%), apresentando-se como uma estratégia eficiente que pode ser implementada em locais que não oferecem a estrutura de um consultório odontológico.

Abstract Introduction Dental caries is still a public health problem in most industrialized countries, with a higher prevalence in the most socioeconomically vulnerable populations. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of dental caries and curative actions performed in students from 6 to 14 years of elementary school during four months of intervention. Material and method Cross-sectional study was conducted with 130 students from Sarandi / PR. To diagnose dental caries, dmft, DMFT and ICDAS II indices were used. The students received curative care according to the needs presented associated with preventive educational activities. Result The prevalence of dental caries was 70% and 83% according to the ceo-d / CPO-D and ICDAS II index, respectively. The codes for ICDAS II with thw highest prevalence were ICDAS 5 and 6 (1.57% and 3.69% respectively), while Code 4 was the least prevalent (0.30%).Most restorative treatments were performed by the ART technique (150 restorations). Ninety applications of fluoride varnish were performed on initial carious lesions. The most complex treatments were referred to the Basic Health Unit of the municipality. Of the 32 students referred, 21 attended and endodontic treatments and primary and permanent teeth extraction were performed. Conclusion The studied population has a high prevalence of caries and after four months of intervention, it was observed that ART was decisive for most treatment needs (59.2%), presenting itself as an efficient strategy that can be implemented in places that do not offer the structure of a dental office.

Métodos para detectar a doença cárie em populações: uma revisão da literatura / Methods to detect caries disease in populations: a review of the literature

Introdução: métodos para mensurar a cárie são essenciais na produção do conhecimento sobre a doença, na observação da sua distribuição nos diferentes lugares e populações, na investigação dos fatores de risco, bem como no adequado planejamento em saúde bucal. Objetivo: realizar uma revisão de literatura no intuito de atualizar o conhecimento científico produzido sobre este tema nos últimos dez anos de forma a contribuir para a escolha do melhor método para mensurar cárie em populações. Metodologia: pesquisou-se nas bases de dados SciELO e PubMed os descritores, cárie dentária, índice CPO, inquérito epidemiológico de cárie. O critério de seleção dos artigos foi a proposição de um novo método para mensurar cárie. Resultados: foram selecionados 12 estudos que utilizaram diferentes métodos, foram descritas as vantagens e ou desvantagens de cada um deles. Conclusão: a existência na literatura de tantos novos métodos demonstra que não existe um consenso a respeito de qual é o melhor para mensurar a cárie, dificultando a comparação dos resultados entre as populações

Introduction: methods for measuring caries are essential for the detection of caries in epidemiological surveys in population groups. These methods are important in the production of knowledge about the disease, in the investigation of risk factors, as well as in oral health planning. Objective: to carry out a literature review to update the knowledge on the subject with articles produced in the last 10 years. Methodology: the descriptors, DMF index, caries dental; caries health surveys were searched in the SciELO and PubMed databases The criterion of selection of the articles was the proposition of a new method to measure caries. Results: we selected 12 studies and described the advantages and disadvantages of each one. Conclusion: the existence in the literature of so many new methods demonstrates that there is no consensus on the best way to measure caries, making it difficult to compare results among populations

Dental caries in adolescents and its association with their use of dental services

Objective: To assess the association between dental caries in adolescents and the use of dental care services in Brazil. Method: Cross-sectional study based on secondary data obtained in the last two National Oral Health Surveys (2003 - 2010), considering the estimated prevalence of dental caries and dental hygiene in adolescents aged 15 to 19 years and dental care services. Results: In Brazil, the dental care index (DCI) has increased on average from 41.2 (2003) to 50.8 (2010). The dental mutilation index (DMI) has decreased on average from 11.7 (2003) to 7.4 (2010). The healthy permanent teeth index (HPTI) showed an increase of 4.9% in the above period. In 2010, the Central West was the only region in the country to show a decrease in the dental care index (DCI). Conclusion: There have been quantitative improvements in regard to dental restoration (dental care), and qualitative improvements in what concerns to tooth loss in the oral health of Brazilian adolescents.

Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre cárie dentária em adolescentes e a utilização de serviços odontológicos no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal, baseado em dados secundários relativos às duas últimas Pesquisas Nacionais de Saúde Bucal (2003 ­ 2010), considerando a prevalência estimada de cárie dentária e higidez dental em adolescentes (15 a 19 anos) e a assistência odontológica. Resultados: Para o Brasil, o índice de cuidados odontológicos (ICO) registra um aumento, na média, de 41,2 (2003) para 50,8 (2010); o índice de mutilação dental (IMD), uma diminuição, na média, de 11,7 (2003) para 7,4 (2010); quanto à média de dentes permanentes hígidos, um aumento de 4,9% para o período analisado. Em 2010, a região Centro-Oeste do Brasil é a única que sofre redução, em relação ao índice de cuidados odontológicos. Conclusão: Há melhorias, ao menos quantitativamente, quando se analisa a questão do cuidado odontológico por meio do componente restaurado, e qualitativamente na redução do componente perdido, na saúde bucal de adolescentes brasileiros.

Salud bucodental y utilización de servicios Odontológicos / Oral health and dental health service use

En el Paraguay, los datos epidemiológicos sobre la salud bucodental y la utilización de los servicios en adultos son limitados, de ahí, la urgente necesidad de generar información para diseñar y establecer programas de salud pública acordes a las necesidades de dicha población. El objetivo de este estudio transversal retrospectivo fue determinar la situación de salud bucodental y el patrón de utilización de los servicios odontológicos de los pacientes atendidos en las cátedras de Operatoria Dental II y III de la carrera de Odontología de la Universidad Católica-Campus de Itapúa. La muestra incluyó 411 historias clínicas odontológicas de pacientes atendidos entre 2014 y 2017. La edad promedio de los pacientes fue de 28 años. La prevalencia de caries fue del 94,6%. El Índice de dientes cariados, perdidos y obturados promedio fue de 13,2 (DE± 6,9), siendo el mayor componente el de dientes cariados (7,0±4,5), seguido por el de dientes perdidos (4,4±5,7). Un alto porcentaje (77%) de los pacientes no tenía seguro médico al momento de consultar. El motivo de consulta actual del 42% fue la estética y el 64% sólo consulta al dentista cuando necesita. El valor promedio del índice de dientes cariados, perdidos y obturados (13,2) es catalogado como grave. El predominio de los componentes dientes cariados y perdidos es indicativo de un limitado acceso a los servicios odontológicos y tratamientos restauradores. Se requiere la instauración de estrategias de promoción de la salud y prevención de las afecciones bucodentales enmarcadas dentro de programas desde el primer nivel de atención.

In Paraguay, epidemiological data on the oral health situation and the use of dental care services by adult are limited, hence the urgent need to generate relevant information to design and establish public health programs in accordance with the needs of the population. The objective of this cross-sectional retrospective study was to determine the oral health situation and the pattern of utilization of the dental services of the patients treated in the Dental Operatory Chairs II and III of the Odontology program at the Catholic University-Campus of Itapúa. The sample consisted of 411 clinical records of patients treated between 2014 and 2017. The average age of patients was 28 years. The prevalence of caries was 94.6%. The index of decayed, missing and filled teeth was 13.2 (±6.9). The largest component was decayed teeth (7.0±4.5), followed by teeth lost (4.4±5.7). A high percentage (77%) of patients did not have health insurance at the time of consultation. The main reason for current consultation was aesthetics (42%) and 64% of participants only attends dentist when needed. The average index of decayed, missing and filled teeth (13.2) is classified as severe. The predominance of decayed and missing teeth components is indicative of limited access to the use of dental services and restorative treatments. It is necessary to establish strategies for health promotion and prevention of oral diseases as part of the programs from the first care level.

Estado de dentición y su impacto en la calidad de vida en adultos mayores / State of dentition and its impact on quality of life in the elderly

Resumen Introducción y objetivo: La mayoría de adultos mayores enfrentan problemas para comer y relacionarse con los demás debido a las alteraciones que presentan en la boca, lo que afecta su satisfacción y su calidad de vida. Determinar el estado de la dentición de los alumnos de la Universidad de la Tercera Edad de la Ciudad de México y asociarlo con la calidad de vida. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal descriptivo. Se realizó evaluación clínica mediante el registro CPOD y presencia de edentulismo. Se aplicó el cuestionario Perfil de Impacto de Salud Bucal OHIP-14, para evaluar calidad de vida. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman, nivel de significancia de 0,05, programa SPSS. Versión 22. Resultados: Se incluyeron 100 adultos mayores con promedio de edad de 68,2. ± 5,02. En el índice CPOD, se obtuvo una media de 1,04 para dientes cariados, 7,9 para dientes perdidos y 4,9 para dientes obturados. En el perfil de impacto, las dimensiones mayormente afectadas fueron la limitación funcional con media de 2,33 y el malestar psicológico con 1,67. Al correlacionar el estado de dentición y la calidad de vida se obtuvo coeficiente de correlación de Spearman de 0,312 con una p= 0,002. Conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos en esta población, reflejan un mejor estado de dentición que los reportados por otros autores, se obtuvo asociación estadística pero con baja correlación entre el estado de dentición y la mayoría de las dimensiones de calidad de vida.

Abstract Introduction and objectives: Most elderly face trouble to eat and to relate with others, due to alterations presented in the mouth, which affects their satisfaction and quality of life.To determine the condition of the dentition of the students of a University of the Third Age of the City of Mexico and to associate it with the quality of life. Material and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Clinical evaluation was performed through the DMFT registry and presence of Edentulous. Oral health impact profile OHIP-14 was applied to evaluate quality of life. Statistical Analysis with Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.05. SPSS v. 22. Results: 100 elderly were included with an average age of 68.2± 5.02. In the DMFT index a 1.04 median for carious teeth was obtained, 7.9 for lost teeth and 4.9 for filled teeth. At the profile impact, the most affected dimensions were the functional limitation with a 2.33 median, psychological discomfort with 1.67. By correlating dentition status and quality of life, Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.312 with p=0.002 was obtained. Conclusions: The results obtained in this population, reflect a better dentition state than those reported by other authors, statistical association was obtained but with a low correlation between the state of dentition and most of the dimensions of quality of life.

Caries dental y microorganismos asociados a la caries en la saliva de los alumnos del primer año de la Facultad de Odontología, UNAM / Dental caries and caries-associated mechanisms found in the saliva of first year students at the School of Dentistry, UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico)

Se estudiaron 380 alumnos del primer año en la Facultad de Odontología (n = 380) (periodo 2012-2013) a fin de determinar el índice CPOD y relacionar si la caries está asociada con los microorganismos Streptococcus y Lactobacillus. El índice CPOD (cariado, perdido y obturado) se registró usando los parámetros de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se tomaron muestras de saliva de cada alumno y se determinaron las unidades formadoras de colonias de Streptococcus y Lactobacillus. La media de los índices CPOD fue de 7.25 ± 4.59. Las mujeres (n = 278) y hombres (n = 102) presentaron una media de índices CPOD de 7.11 ± 4.66 y 7.29 ± 4.57, respectivamente. Encontramos que los alumnos de 19 años presentaron menos caries que los estudiantes de otras edades. Tanto Streptococcus y Lactobacillus se correlacionaron significativamente entre sí, así como en la incidencia de caries. Un incremento en el número de estos microorganismos, especialmente de Streptococcus mutans, se asociaron con el incremento en CPOD.

Three hundred and eighty first year students of the National School of Dentistry (UNAM) (n = 380) (academic year 2012-2013), were assessed targeting determination of DMFT (decayed, missing, lost teeth) index as well as to establish a relationship of whether caries is associated to Lactobacillus and Streptococcus microorganisms. DMFT index was recorded using World Health Organization (WHO) parameters. Samples of all students were taken and colony-forming units of Streptococcus and Lactobacillus were determined. DMFT indexes mean was established at 7.25 ± 4.59. Females (n = 278) and males (n = 102) exhibited mean DMFT indexes of 7.11 ± 4.66 and 7.29 ± 4.57 respectively. Results revealed that 19 year old students exhibited lesser amounts of caries than students of other ages. Both Streptococcus and Lactobacillus were significantly correlated to each other as well as to caries incidence. Increase in the number of the aforementioned micro-organisms, especially Streptococcus mutans, were associated to DMFT increase.

Relación entre los conocimientos de los padres con hijos adolescentes con discapacidad intelectual con la caries e higiene oral / Relationship between knowledge of parents with teenage children with intellectual disablities with caries and oral hygiene

El objetivo fue de conocer la relación entre conocimientos sobre caries dental e higiene oral de los padres o tutores entre el Índice IHOS y el índice CPOD en los pacientes adolescentes con discapacidad intelectual atendidos en el servicio de Odontoestomatología del Hospital Hermilio Valdizán (Hospital Psiquiátrico en Lima Perú), en el periodo de Abril - Octubre del 2015. Material y Método: Se realizó un estudio de tipo descriptivo, transversal y observacional. La muestra fue de 167 adolescentes. Además se registró datos socios demográficos, donde se evaluó edad del padre o tutor, grado de instrucción del padre o tutor distrito donde reside, edad del adolescente, grado de instrucción del adolescente y diagnóstico de discapacidad mental. Se elaboró un instrumento conocimientos sobre caries dental e higiene oral validado por juicio de expertos, índice CPOD e Índice IHOs Resultados: El 61.08% eran de sexo masculino, mientras el 38.92% era femenino. El mayor rango de edad de los padres y tutores era 40-50 años, mientras en los adolescentes 15 años. Se encontró un CPOD de 7.5 y un índice IHOS de regular con 56.29%. El 22.75% tenía problemas de depresión, el 20.97% trastornos hípercinéticos, el 19.76%. Conclusiones: La discapacidad intelectual en cualquiera que sea, influye en la higiene oral y la aparición de caries dental. El conocimiento sobre la caries dental no influye en la aparición de las mismas, sin embargo el conocimiento sobre higiene oral influye significativamente sobre la aparición de problemas gingivo periodontales. (AU)

The objective: was to know the relationship between knowledge about dental caries and oral hygiene parents or guardians between the OHI index and DMFT in adolescent patients with intellectual disabilities attended in the service Odontoestomatology Hospital Hermilio Valdizán (Psychiatric Hospital in Lima, Peru) in the period from April to October 2015. Material and Methods: A descriptive study , cross-sectional observational performed. The sample consisted of 167 adolescents. In addition demographic data partners , where the parent or guardian age , level of education of the parent or guardian resident district , adolescent age , level of education of adolescents and diagnosis of mental disability was assessed it was recorded. an instrument knowledge about dental caries and oral hygiene validated by expert judgment , DMFT and OHI index was developed. Results: 61.08 % were male, while the female was 38.92%. The largest age range of parents and guardians was 40-50 years, while in adolescents 15 years. 7.5 DMFT and OHI-S index regularly with 56.29 % was found. The 22.75 % had problems with depression, 20.97% hyperkinetic disorders, 19,76%. Conclusions: Intellectual disability is whatever influences the oral hygiene and the development of dental caries. Knowledge on dental caries does not affect the appearance of the same; however the knowledge abo ut oral hygiene significantly influences the appearance of gingival periodontal problems. (AU)

Profile of special needs patients assisted in a dental project / Perfil dos pacientes com necessidades especiais atendidos no projeto da Odontologia

Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi traçar o perfil dos pacientes com necessidades especiais que procuraram atendimento na Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal Fluminense (FO-UFF). Material e Métodos: Foram avaliados os prontuários de 17 pacientes que procuraram atendimento no período da pesquisa. As variáveis analisadas foram: sexo, idade, motivo da consulta, o uso contínuo de drogas psicotrópicas, condição socioeconômica, consumo de açúcar, frequência de escovação, oclusão dentária atendimento odontológico e duração do tratamento. Todos os pacientes foram atendidos por duas alunas de graduação ligados ao projeto, sob supervisão. Resultados: A idade média dos pacientes foi de 9,65 anos e o sexo masculino foi o mais prevalente (52,94%). Os indivíduos com deficiência mental e síndrome de Down foram os que mais procuram por atendimento (35,3%) e a dor (cárie) foi apontada como o maior motivo para procura do atendimento (58,82%). A média de ceo foi de 2,4 (±1,4) e CPOD de 0,9 (±7,07) entre os pacientes e o tratamento restaurador foi realizado em 25% dos pacientes. Conclusões: Em conclusão, a maior demanda foi por procedimentos curativos e não preventivos e que a prevalência de cárie é elevada neste grupo de pacientes

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this paper was to outline the profile of patients with special needs who sought treatment at School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal Fluminense (FO-UFF). Material and Methods: We evaluated the charts of 17 patients who sought care during the survey period. The variables were gender, age, reason for consultation, continuous use of psychotropic drugs, socioeconomic status, consumption of sugar, toothbrushing frequency, dental occlusion dental care and length of treatment. All patients were treated by two undergraduate students linked to the project under supervision. Results: The mean age of the patients was 9.65 years old and males were the most prevalent (52.94%). Individuals with mental retardation and Down´s syndrome were the predominant group seeking dental care (35,3%) and pain was cited as the main reason (58,82%). The average dmft 0.9 (±1,4) and DMFT was 3.29 (±7,07) among patients and restorative treatment was provided for 25% of the patients. Conclusions: In conclusion the greatest demand was for curative and not preventive procedures and that the prevalence of caries is high in this group of patients.

Condições de saúde bucal de industriários participantes de Programa de Saúde Bucal na Empresa / Oral health status of industrial workers included in Corporate Oral Health Program

Resumo Objetivo: verificar as condições de saúde bucal de trabalhadores de cinco indústrias da região metropolitana de Salvador, Bahia, que participavam do Programa de Saúde Bucal na Empresa (PSBE) entre os anos 2003 a 2008. Métodos: estudo transversal retrospectivo, com dados secundários do banco de dados do SESI/DR-BA. Participaram todos os funcionários que realizaram pelo menos dois exames odontológicos no período, totalizando 1.277 trabalhadores. Foram investigados dados sociodemográficos, incidência de cárie, atividade de cárie, urgência odontológica, uso e necessidade de prótese. Resultado: predominou o sexo masculino com média de idade de 38 anos (DP = 10,07). O índice CPO-D (dentes cariados, perdidos e obturados) apresentou variação da média de 15 a 19, com maior percentual para dentes obturados (de 58,5% a 70,2%). Observou-se menor incidência de cárie nos que possuíam maior número de exames – 35,03% com 2 exames e 21,88% com 4 exames (p<0,01). Destaca-se maior associação positiva entre atividade de cárie e ramo de metais (29,19%) em 2007. O ramo outros serviços apresentou os maiores percentuais de urgência odontológica (5,60% em 2007, 8,40% em 2008). Conclusão: a redução na incidência de cáries e na necessidade de próteses entre os que mais realizaram exames indica que programas de saúde bucal nas empresas podem contribuir para a melhor saúde bucal dos trabalhadores.

Abstract Objective: to evaluate the oral health status of workers in five industries of the metropolitan region of Salvador, included in the Corporate Occupational Oral Health Program (PSBE) between 2003 and 2008. Methods: a retrospective cross-sectional study with secondary data from SESI/DR-BA database. All workers who had at least two dental examinations in the period (1,277 workers) were included. Sociodemographic data, incidence of dental caries, dental caries activity, dental emergency, and the use and need of prostheses were investigated. Results: most patients were male with mean age of 38 ± 10.07 years. Mean DMFT ranged from 15 to 19, with higher percentage of filled teeth (58.5% to 70.2%). The incidence of dental caries was lower in individuals who had a greater number of examinations – 35.03% for two examinations and 21.88% for four examinations (p<0.01). A positive association was found between caries activity and certain professional occupations, like metalworkers (29.19%). Highest percentages of urgency were found in individuals working in “other services” (5.60% in 2007 and 8.40% in 2008). Conclusion: the reduction in incidence of dental caries and need of prostheses among those who performed more examinations indicate that corporate oral health programs can contribute to improve workers oral health.

Variação do índice CPOD do Brasil no período de 1980 a 2010 / Variation of brazilian CPOD index during the 1980 to 2010 period

Este trabalho consiste em uma revisão de literatura sobre os valores de CPOD registrados no Brasil, de 1980 a 2010, e sobre os fatores que influenciaram a prevalência de cárie no país e, consequentemente, a alteração do índice, neste período. Foram analisados artigos científicos (das bases de dados BVS, SciELO, e PubMed), livros renomados sobre o tema e sites oficiais brasileiros (Portal da Saúde e Anvisa). A redução do CPOD nacional mostrou-se expressiva, pois a prevalência de cárie encontrava-se muito alta em 1 980 ( CPOD = 7,3) e t ornou-se b aixa e m 2 010 (CPOD = 2,1). O principal fator para tal redução foi o aumento das ações de promoção de saúde e prevenção, sobretudo após a implantação do Programa de Saúde da Família, em 1994.

This paper consists of a literature review about the values of CPOD recorded in Brazil, from 1980 to 2010, and the influential factors regarding the prevalence of caries in the country and consequently the change of the index in during this period. Scientific articles (from BVS, SciELO and PubMed databases), renowned books on the subject, and Brazilian official websites (Portal da Saúde and ANVISA) were analyzed. National CPOD showed significant reduction, since caries prevalence was very high in 1980 (CPOD = 7.3) a nd b ecame l ower i n 2 010 ( CPOD = 2.1). The main reason for this reduction was the increasing of the health promotion and preventive actions, especially after the implementation of the Family Health Program, in 1994.

Inquérito epidemiológico em saúde bucal e fatores psicossociais em idosos ­ um estudo piloto / Epidemiological survey on oral health and psychosocial factors in the elderly ­ a pilot study

Objetivos: Realizar um levantamento epidemiológico da saúde bucal e fatores psicossociais associados abrangendo indivíduos com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, com a população-alvo constituída de idosos. Foi selecionada uma amostra representativa do município de Diamantina, estado de Minas Gerais, composta por pessoas com mais de 60 anos, cadastradas nos postos da Estratégia Saúde da Família da zona rural e urbana do município. Os dados foram coletados em domicílio, por meio de exames bucais realizados por um único examinador, treinado e calibrado, e de questionários. Foi investigado o índice CPOD (média de dentes cariados, perdidos e obturados em um grupo de indivíduos), assim como dados sociodemográficos. Também foram obtidos dados sobre qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal, locus de controle de saúde, consumo de álcool e drogas na senescência. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise descritiva e ao teste de correlação de Spearman. O nível de significância adotado foi de ≤5%. Resultados: Foram entrevistados 37 idosos com idade média de 73,41±7,25 anos. O índice CPOD encontrado foi de 25,38±5,18. Houve correlação estatisticamente significante entre maior pontuação no domínio limitação funcional e maior idade, maior locus externo e maior locus ao acaso, aumento na limitação funcional e diminuição da renda, maior pontuação no domínio limitação funcional e maior locus interno, maior índice CPOD e menor pontuação no domínio incapacidade social. Conclusões: Pelo presente estudo concluiu-se que a qualidade de vida, locus de controle de saúde e índice CPOD são fatores diretamente correlacionados em idosos. Enfatiza-se a importância da atuação de profissionais de saúde e, mais especificamente, de saúde bucal, na promoção de um envelhecimento saudável.

Aims: To conduct an epidemiological survey on oral health and psychosocial factors in individuals aged 60 years or older. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with elderly individuals as the target population. A representative sample of Diamantina, a town in Minas Gerais State, southeastern Brazil, was used. The sample consisted of individuals aged over 60 years registered at Family Health Strategy units in the rural and urban areas of Diamantina. Data were collected at home by means of oral examinations performed by a single trained and calibrated examiner, and through questionnaires. The decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index and sociodemographic data were investigated. Data on oral health-related quality of life, health locus of control, and use of alcohol and drugs in old age were also obtained. Results: Thirty-seven elderly individuals with a mean age of 73.41±7.25 years were interviewed. The average DMFT index was equal to 25.38±5.18. There was a statistically significant correlation between functional limitations and age, external locus and random locus, functional limitation and income, functional limitation and internal locus, and DMFT index and social disability. Conclusions: It can be concluded that quality of life, health locus of control, and DMFT index are correlated factors in the elderly. Health professionals should act in seeking to promote healthy aging.

Prevalencia y severidad de caries dental asociadas a determinantes sociodemográficas de los adolescentes de 12 a 15 años atendidos por una Unidad Comunitaria de Salud Familiar en el 2015 / Prevalence and severity of dental caries associated with sociodemographic determinants of adolescents aged 12 to 15 years attended by a Community Family Health Unit in 2015

Objetivo: Asociar la prevalencia y severidad de caries dental con determinantes sociodemográficas de los adolescentes de 12 a 15 años atendidos por la Unidad Comunitaria de Salud Familiar "San Antonio Pajonal". Metodología: La investigación siguió un diseño epidemiológico de tipo descriptivo y transversal. La recolección de los datos fue realizada durante el período de marzo a junio de 2015, para lo cual se utilizó una cédula de entrevista y una guía clínica de observación. La muestra fue de 492 pacientes, estratificados según edad, sexo y residencia. Los datos fueron analizados estadísticamente a través de la Prueba de X², prueba Z de Comparación de Proporciones y Riesgo Relativo. Resultados: La prevalencia de dientes cariados en área urbana fue de 34.43%, y en el área rural de 44.58%.El valor de CPO-D / CPO-S en el área urbana (9.62 / 11.40) fue inferior al del área rural (12.12 / 14.32). Se encontraron diferencias significativas para CPO-D según Piso de Vivienda (p-valor =0.006) y para CPO-S según Residencia (p-valor= 0.039) y Piso de vivienda (pvalor=0.007). Así también, para severidad de caries, se detectaron diferencias con las variables Residencia (p-valor=0.00), Piso de la vivienda (p-valor= 0.00) y número de integrantes del grupo familiar (p-valor= 0.02). Conclusiones: Los valores de CPO-D/CPO-S, prevalencia y severidad de caries fueron más elevados en el área rural, siendo el sexo femenino el más afectado por la enfermedad en el área rural y el menos afectado en el urbano. No se establecieron diferencias de acuerdo a la edad.

Objective: To associate the prevalence and severity of dental cavities with socio-demographic determinants of the teenagers between 12 and 15 years old, who are treated in the Familiar Health Community Unit "San Antonio Pajonal". Methodology: The research followed an epidemiologic design of the descriptive and cross-sectional type. The collected data was performed between March and June of 2015, for which an interview card and a clinic guide of observation, was used. The sample was of 492 patients, stratified according to age, sex and residence. The data was analyzed statistically through the test of X², test Z of Comparison of Proportions and Relative Risk. Results: The prevalence of decaying teeth in an urban area was of 34.43%, and in the rural area of 44.58%. The value of DMF-T / DMF-S in the urban area (9.62 / 11.40) was inferior from the value of the rural area (12.12 / 14.32). Significant differences were found for DMF-T ­ according to Floor of the House (pvalue=0.006) and for DMF-S according to Residence (p-value=0.039) and Floor of the House. As well as, for the severity of cavity, differences were detected with the variables Residence (p-value=0.00). Floor of the House (p-value=0.00) and the number of family members (p-value=0.02). Conclusions: The values of DMF-T/DMF-S, prevalence and severity of cavities were higher in the rural area, with the feminine population in the rural area as the most affected for this disease, and the least affected in the urban area. Differences according to the age were not established.

Diagnóstico y evolución de primeros molares permanentes en niños en edad escolar / Diagnosis and evolution of first permanent molars in school children

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de prevalencia de los datos recabados en el año 2012 del Programa de Salud Bucal de la Provincia de Córdoba, Argentina, disponible en el Instituto Provincial de Odontología del Ministerio de Salud. Se analizaron los Primeros Molares Permanentes en 5330 escolares entre 5/6 y 12 años de 74 escuelas provinciales en la capital de la Provincia. Los mismos se clasificaron como Sanos, Cariados, Obturados o Perdidos. Se obtuvieron los índices CPOD de Dentición Permanente y ceod de dentición primaria. Se analizó la presencia de Gingivitis por alumno y Caries por molar. Se observó un desmejoramiento a los 12 años. Existieron diferencias significativas en caries y gingivitis por escuela entre ambos grupos. No se encontraron diferencias de porcentajes de caries por molar entre ambos grupos, pero si dentro de cada grupo, siendo los molares inferiores los más afectados. Los resultados hallados entre los 5/6 y 12 años fueron: Sanos 91.66/54.67%, Cariados 7.45/33.32%, Perdidos 0/1,53% y Obturados 0.89/10,49%, Gingivitis 20.24/48.21%. CPOD 0.14/2.68 y ceod 3.53/1.12. El diagnóstico de los primeros molares permanentes en edad escolar es prioritario en la prevención de la salud bucodental...

A descriptive study of prevalence data collected in 2012 the Oral Health Program of the Province of Córdoba was performed, Argentina, available at the Provincial Institute of Dentistry, Ministry of Health was performed. The Permanent First Molars in 5330 school children between 5/6 and 12 years of 74 provincial schools were analyzed in the capital of the Province. They were classified as Healthy, Decayed, Sealed or Lost. The DMFT and dmft Permanent dentition primary dentition indices were obtained. We analyzed the presence of Cavities Gingivitis per student and per mole. Deterioration was observed at age 12. Significant differences in school cavities and gingivitis between the two groups. No differences of molar caries rates between the two groups, but within each group, the lower molars being the most affected. The results between the 5/6 and 12 years were: Healthy 91.66/54.67%, Decayed 7.45/33.32% Lost 0/1, Sealed 53% and 0.89/10, 49%, Gingivitis 20.24/48.21%. DMFT dmft 0.14/2.68 and 3.53/1.12. The diagnosis of the first permanent molars school age is a priority in the prevention of oral health...

La caries dental y los factores relacionados en una población de adultos de la ciudad de la rioja, Argentina / The dental caries and related factors in adult population of the city of rioja, Argentina

La caries dental es un proceso patológico post-eruptivo, localizado, externo, involucra un reblandecimiento de los tejidos duros del diente procediendo a la formación de una cavidad1. Se determinó la presencia de caries dental, su relación con factores patológicos y preventivos en adultos de La Rioja, Argentina. A partir de 183 adultos de 25 a 35 años de edad se estudiaron los dientes con caries, obturaciones, perdidos e índice CPOD y se registraron en una ficha dental. Por cada adulto se obtuvo una historia clínica. El 77% de los adultos presentó un promedio de 3,73±4,28 caries, 4,75±4,61 obturaciones, 1,91±2,92 perdidos e índice CPOD 10,39±5,90. El CPOD para el género femenino fue mayor que para el masculino (p=0,042). La caries se relacionó con bajo nivel de educación (p=0,0001), ingreso económico (p=0,0086), cepillado dental diario (p=0,0340), cepillado nocturno (p=0,0018), con consulta prevalente por dolor (p<0,0001), falta de visita bucal anual (p=0,0003) y de obra social (p=0,0064). La caries dental es una enfermedad presente en la población adulta se asocia con bajo nivel de educación, económico y preventivo dental. Necesita del abordaje económico cultural integrado de la sociedad para mejorar la salud bucal del adulto y asegurar su calidad de vida en su senectud.

The dental caries is defined a post eruptive pathological process of external origin located tooth involves softening of the hard tissues of the tooth proceeding consequently to the formation of a tooth cavity1. The presence of dental caries was determined, its relationship with pathological and preventive factors in adults of La Rioja, Argentina. From 183 adults from 25-35 years of age, were studied decayed, fillings, missing teeth and index DMFT and recorded on a dental chart. For each adult, a clinic history was obtained. The 77% of adults had a mean of 3,73 ±4,28 caries, 4,75 ±4,61 filling, 1,91 ±2,92 missing and DMFT 10,39 ±5,90. The DMFT was higher for the female gender than for males (p=0,042). Caries was associated with low level of education (p=0,0001), low income (p=0,0086) lack tooth daily brushing (p<0,0340), lack of night brushing (p=0,018), check only for pain (p< 0,0001), lack of annual dental visit (p=0,0003) and absence of coverage social (p=0,0064). Dental caries is a disease present in the population of adults, is associated with low level education, economic and lack of prevention dental. Requires a socio cultural economic work of society to improve the oral health of adults and ensure their senescence.

Comparação de procedimentos coletivos em saúde bucal entre escolares da rede municipal de ensino de Passo Fundo-RS / Comparison of collective procedures in oral health among adolescents from municipal schools in Passo Fundo-RS

Objetivo: Comparar a cárie dentária em dois grupos de escolares, com e sem procedimentos coletivos. Método: Estudo exploratório, sendo a população composta por 1.169 escolares de 12 e 15 a 19 anos de idade da rede municipal, sendo 634 alunos de 33 escolas e 535 alunos das outras oito escolas sem e com os procedimentos coletivos, respectivamente. A coleta de dados foi feita por intermédio de exames clínicos intrabucais realizados nas escolas, segundo o índice CPOD para cárie dentária nos meses de abril a junho no ano de 2005 e novembro a dezembro no ano de 2007 para cada grupo de escolares. Os dados dos levantamentos utilizados para o estudo fazem parte do "Projeto Sorria Passo Fundo". A fim de verificar a confiabilidade dos dados, os três examinadores realizaram o teste Kappa, cuja concordância intra-examinadores teve valor de 0,91 e na concordância interexaminadores os valores ficaram entre 0,89 e 0,94. Para análise dos dados foi utilizado o teste U de Mann-Whitney, que avaliou a semelhança dos grupos por meio do grau de intersecção de ranks (postos), utilizando-se um nível de 5% de significância. Resultados: Os dois grupos de escolares apresentaram elevada prevalência de cárie, contudo o grupo de escolares sem procedimentos coletivos teve um índice CPOD maior do que o grupo com procedimentos na idade de 12 anos (p menor que 0,000). Conclusão: A prevalência de cárie foi alta nos dois grupos, indicando que o município ainda está longe de atingir as metas da OMS para 2000 e para 2010.

Objective: To compare dental caries in two groups of scholars who underwent or not collective procedures. Method: This was an exploratory study whose sample consisted of 1,169 students aged 12 and 15-19 years enrolled in municipal schools. A total of 634 students came from 33 schools and 535 subjects were from eight other schools with and without collective procedures, respectively. Data collection was carried out by means of intra-oral clinical examinations performed in the schools, according to the DMF index for dental caries in the periods April-June 2005 and November-December 2007. The survey data used in the study are part of the "Projeto Sorria Passo Fundo". In order to verify the reliability of the data, three examiners were subjected to the Kappa test. The intra-examiner agreement value was 0.91, whereas inter-examiners' concordance values ranged between 0.89 and 0.94. For data analysis, we used the Mann-Whitney U-test, which indicated the similarity between groups through the degree of intersection of ranks (positions), using a 5% significance level. Results: Both groups of scholars showed high prevalence of caries. However, the group without collective procedures had DMF index values higher than the one which underwent procedures, at the age of 12 years (p less than 0.000). Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of dental caries in both groups, indicating that the municipality is still far from reaching WHO goals for 2000 and 2010.

Estudio comparativo de caries dental en cinco generaciones de la Facultad de Estudios Superiores (FES) Iztacala / A comparative study of dental caries in five classes of students at the Faculty of Higher Studies (FES) Iztacala

Introducción. La caries dental ha sido identificada por la OMS como el padecimiento bucal de mayor prevalencia a nivel mundial. Existen patrones universales de caries dental en términos de prevalencia, incidencia, distribución de frecuencia y tasas de progresión en la dentición permanente que se pueden considerar como reglas de trabajo en la planificación de la atención dental. La Encuesta Nacional de Caries realizada entre 1997 y 2001 reportó la disminución del índice CPOD en algunos estados de país. Objetivo. Comparar los cambios en los índices CPOD de cinco generaciones de alumnos de la FES Iztacala. Materiales y Método. Se realizó un estudio no experimental, transeccional y comparativo en cinco generaciones de alumnos que ingresaron a la Carrera de Cirujano Dentista de la Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala en el periodo 2006 - 2010. La revisión de la cavidad bucal se llevó a cabo, de acuerdo con los criterios de la OMS, por examinadores previamente estandarizados. Resultados. EL grupo estuvo conformado por 2982 sujetos de los cuales dos terceras partes eran mujeres. La edad promedio fue de 19±3 años. El índice CPOD del grupo fue de 9.88±5.33 con una prevalencia de caries de 94.5 por ciento. Se determinó que existen diferencias significativas (p<0.05) entre los valores promedio de las características de los dientes de las distintas generaciones; el promedio de dientes satisfactorios aumentó gradualmente entre las generaciones; se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p<0.05) en el promedio de los dientes con caries y el CPOD entre las generaciones. Conclusión. La caries dental es una enfermedad prevenible, ya que se conocen sus causas, por lo que existe tendencia hacia su diminución, en la actualidad hay mayor difusión de medidas preventivas a nivel general y particular, que de alguna manera han impactado en la población favoreciendo las condiciones de salud bucal.

Qualidade de Vida do Cuidador e Saúde Bucal do Indivíduo com Necessidade Especial / Quality of Life of Caregiver and Oral Health of Special Needs Patients

Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de vida dos cuidadores primários de pacientes com necessidades especiais, e verificar se há repercussão da mesma na saúde bucal dos pacientes.Método: O estudo foi do tipo exploratório descritivo, com delineamento transversal e abordagem quantitativa. Foram convidados a participar todos os cuidadores de indivíduos normoreativos e com deficiência que frequentavam a clinica escola de duas universidades e de um centro de reabilitação no período de setembro de 2008 a junho de 2009, em São Paulo. O Grupo Estudo (GE) era composto por 27 pacientes com necessidades especiais e o Grupo Controle (GC) por 23 pacientes normoreativos voluntários, ambos com idades entre três e 18 anos, e que foram avaliados quanto à experiência de cárie utilizando-se o índice de dentes cariados, perdidos e obturados (CPO-D). Os cuidadores primários do grupo controle (CGC) e do grupo estudo (GCE) responderam o questionário na versão abreviada sobre Qualidade de Vida (WHOQOL-bref), o qual é composto por 26 questões de múltipla escolha englobando os domínios: Físico, Psicológico, Relações Sociais e Meio-ambiente. Para a análise estatística foi utilizado o programa SPSS com a sintaxe própria do WHOQOL-bref. Os testes Teste t de Student, qui-quadrado e de Fisher foram utilizados, com nível de significância fixado em 5%.Resultados: Não houve diferença estatística na qualidade de vida entre os grupos de cuidadores estudados, bem como para a experiência de cárie entre os GC e GE (p>0,05).Conclusão: A qualidade de vida dos cuidadores primários dos pacientes com necessidades especiais não é afetada pelo ato de cuidar, e esta se reflete favoravelmente na saúde bucal destes indivíduos

Objective: To evaluate the quality of life of primary caregivers of special needs patients and to verify whether it affects the patientsÆ oral health.Method: This investigation was an exploratory descriptive study with cross-sectional design and quantitative approach. All caregivers of normal and disabled individuals attending the clinics of two universities and one rehabilitation center between September 2008 and June 2009 in the city of São Paulo were invited to participate in the study. The Study Group (SG) was composed by 27 special needs patients and the Control Group (CG) by 23 normal volunteers, aged 3 and 18 years, who were evaluated with respect to caries experience using the DMF-T (decayed, missing and filled teeth) index. The primary caregivers of the Control Group (CGC) and the Study Group (SGC) answered the short version of the World Health OrganizationÆs Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-bref), which is composed by 26 multiplechoice questions comprising the following domains: Physical, Psychological, Social Relations and Environment. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS software using the WHOQOL-bref own syntax. StudentÆs t, Chi-Square and FisherÆs Exact tests were used. The significance level was set at 5%.Results: There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between the groups of caregivers for either quality of life or caries experience.Conclusion: The quality of life of primary caregivers of special needs patients was not affected by the act of taking care of, and it was favorably reflected in the oral health of these individuals