Epidemiological study to determine factors associated with dental caries in schoolers

ABSTRACT

Introduction:Dental caries is a large problem affecting all population. In Brazil, caries prevalence has decreased over the last years, but it is still a public health issue requiring frequent evaluation and care by dentists. Objective: To evaluate the oral health conditions of schoolers aged 5-12 years relating them with socioeconomic and demographic determinants. Material and methods: The children were examined by a previously calibrated examiner to obtain DMF and dmf scores. The parents answered a questionnaire regarding to the socioeconomic condition. Prior to the examinations, the parents signed a free and clarified consent form and only their children were evaluated. The results were analyzed descriptively and by Chi-square test, at significance level of p<0.05. Results: The sample (n=111) showed a mean age of 7+1.7 years (mean + standard deviation), composed of 58 boys and 58 girls. 66.6% of the sample exhibited dmf values = 0, while 102 schoolers had DMF values = 0. With regard to the parents' education level, 78.37% of the mothers had more than 9 years of education and 43.34% of the fathers had 9 to 11 years of study. Concerning to family income, 36.93% of the families presented mean income of 1-3 minimum wages (R$ 788.00 to R$ 2,364.00). No statistically significant differences (p≤0.05) were seen between caries rates vs. parents' education and caries rates vs. family income. Conclusion: 5-12 year schoolers showed low dmf and DMF values, suggesting that parents' education and income might have influenced on the results. Further studies are necessary to understand/assess the predisposing factors to dental caries development.