Knowledge, attitudes, practices and oral health status in adolescents of the city of Córdoba, Argentina

Adolescence is a critical period in the appropriation of knowledge, attitudes and health practices. objective: to analyze the experience of caries in relation to the level of knowledge, to attitudes and oral health practices in adolescents. materials and methods: an analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in 52 adolescents attending the provincial dental Institute in the city of Córdoba, Argentina. the study included a clinical dental examination and a self-administered survey. all participating subjects provided an informed consent signed by their parents or guardians. the DMFT index and relative frequency of responses were calculated. Indices of "knowledge", "attitudes" and "practices" were created. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between indices and a linear regression model with respect to the DMFT index were applied. results: mean age was 16.57±2.27 years. female subjects accounted for 57.7 percent of participants. between 92 percent and 96 percent of adolescents acknowledged that the presence of bacteria and a lack of oral hygiene could promote tooth decay. ninety-six per cent reported using toothbrush and toothpaste, 32 percent reported using fluoride toothpaste, and only 19 percent used dental floss. the DMFT index was 4.7±4.0; component C 4.4±2.9. there was a significant correlation between the indices of knowledge and attitudes about oral health (p<0.05). the linear regression analysis showed as main predictors the questions: "does brushing teeth prevent cavities?" and "how important is it for you to clean your teeth?" conclusion: although participants have information on some oral health care practices, it is necessary to design strategies that involve the participation of young people, with contents that take into account the interests and characteristics of the target population.

Impact of oral health on the quality of life of young people in confinement, Córdoba, Argentina: a mixed methods study

Introduction: quality of life can be understood as the perception subjects have of their position in life in relation to their goals, expectations and concerns. Measuring and understanding the impact of oral health on the quality of life of people may contribute to the promotion of health and prevention of disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of oral health on the quality of life of young people in confinement. Methodology: Cross-sectional study with mixed approach. Adolescents between 14 and 18 years of age, confined in socio-educational juvenile detention centers in the Province of Córdoba, Argentina, were included in the study. After signing of informed consent, the OHIP-49 questionnaire was applied to 70 youngsters and 32 semi-structured interviews were conducted. Results: The OHIP-49 had a mean of 53.37 +/- 28.77, the dimensions with more impact were: functional limitation, physical pain and psychological discomfort. Confinement emerges as an amplifier of sensations and as a barrier for accessing palliative care. Regarding aesthetic aspects, subjects reported specific discomfort that does not always interfere with their self-esteem or relationship with peers. Conclusions: Young people perceive the impact of oral health on their quality of life from episodes of suffering, although not only because of pain, but also for aesthetic reasons. Confinement creates a particular context for sensations and resolutions on health-disease-care processes regarding oral health.

Oral health of youth housed in socio-educational centers of the Juvenile Penal Area of the Province of Córdoba, Argentina.

The purpose of this research was to analyze the oral health status of youth housed in socio-educational centers of the Juvenile Penal Area of the Province of Córdoba, Argentina of corrections by considering clinical evaluation and the main sociodemographic data. Socio-demographics, healthy and unhealthy habits of self-care, and dental clinical profile were assessed for this purpose. An exploratory cross-sectional study was carried out on 70 14- to 18-year-olds who had been institutionalized for at least six months. A clinical examination was conducted and the WHO Oral Health Survey was applied. Centralization and dispersion measurements, relative frequency, multiple correspondence analysis and generalized linear models were used to describe the data. The results showed: males 94%, mean age 16.91 ± 1.11, complete primary schooling 34%, from Córdoba City 69% and belonging to nuclear families 29%. Regarding healthy habits, 71% had frequent sugar intake, and 46% brushed teeth daily; while among unhealthy habits, 80% smoked tobacco, 63% drankalcohol and 73% used psychoactive substances. Sixty-three percent had visited a dentist once, and in 80% of the cases reason for the visit was pain. Clinical examination showed high prevalence of deterioration of the oral health component (DMFT = 8.94 ± 4.75, SiC = 14.26 ± 2.15, IPC3 = 56%, MO = 53%). Clinical profile showed marked prevalence of a very high level of caries severity, gingival disease and malocclusion, but not of initial stages of caries, alterations of enamel or temporomandibular dysfunction. The socio-demographic characteristics revealed conditions of social, educational and health vulnerability, a situation which interferes with the inclusion of these youths in the productive system and their access to better living conditions.

El propósito de esta investigación fue analizar la situación de salud bucal de jóvenes alojados en centros socioeducativos del Area Penal Juvenil de la Provincia de Córdoba, a través de la evaluación clínica teniendo en cuenta los principales datos sociodemográficos. Para tal fin se valoraron las características sociodemográfica; los hábitos saludables, no saludables, de autocuidado y el perfil clínico odontológico. Se desarrolló un estudio transversal exploratorio en 70 jóvenes, de 14 a 18 años de edad, alojados por un período no menor a seis meses. Se realizó examen clínico y se aplicó la Encuesta de Salud Bucal de la OMS. Para la descripción de los datos se aplicaron medidas de centralización y de dispersión, frecuencia relativa, análisis de correspondencia múltiples y modelos lineales generalizados. Los resultados mostraron el siguiente perfil sociodemográfico: 94% son varones con una edad media de 16,91 ±1.11 que tienen primario completo 34%, son procedentes de la Ciudad de Córdoba 69% y pertenecen a familias nucleares 29%. Respecto a los hábitos saludables el 71% de los jóvenes tienen una alta frecuencia de consumo de azucares, el 46% presenta frecuencia diaria de cepillado dental; entre los hábitos no saludables el 80% consume tabaco, 63% bebidas alcohólicas, y 73% SPA, el 63% concurrió al odontólogo alguna vez por dolor (80%). El exámen clínico mostró una alta prevalencia del deterioro del componente bucal de la salud (CPOD= 8,94 ± 4,75; SIC=14,26 ± 2,15; IPC3 56%; MO 53). El perfil clínico mostró una marcada prevalencia del nivel muy alto de severidad de caries, enfermedad gingival y maloclusión, no así de los estadios iniciales de caries, alteraciones de esmalte y disfunción temporomandibular. Las características sociode-mográficas halladas ponen de manifiesto condiciones de vulnerabilidad social, educativa y sanitaria, las cuales interfieren en su incorporación al sistema de producción y acceso a mejores condiciones de vida.

Experiencia de caries y calidad de vida de jóvenes en situación de encierro / Caries experience and quality of life of confined teenagers

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar el impacto de la experiencia de caries en la calidad de vida de jóvenes institucionalizados del Área correccional de Córdoba, Argentina. Método Se realizó examen clínico a 70 jóvenes, se determinó el índice de experiencia de caries CPOD y tipo de tratamiento necesario. Y se aplicó el cuestionario del perfil de impacto de salud oral OHIP 49. Resultados El estudio de los 70 jóvenes de la muestra presentó la media de elementos presentes en boca fue 28,1 ± 1,53; índice CPOD fue de 8,9±4.75; Cariados: 7,4±4,26; Perdidos: 0,6 ± 0,91 y Obturados: 0,9±1,97; y el 67,14 % necesita tratamiento de rehabilitación. El OHIP49 mostró mayor impacto en las dimensiones de: disconfort psicológico 52,86 %, limitación funcional 47,14 %, dolor físico 40 %, incapacidad física 41,43 %. Menor impacto tuvieron las dimensiones incapacidad psicológica 28,57 %, incapacidad social 21,43 %; y en desventaja 22,86 %. Conclusión La experiencia de caries produce un impacto medio en la calidad de vida de estos jóvenes, siendo el dolor físico su principal responsable.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the impact of caries on the quality of life of teenagers confined in the Correctional Center of Córdoba, Argentina. Method A clinical examination was conducted to 70 teenagers in order to determine DMFT and the necessary treatment. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-49) was used. Results The study conducted on a sample of 70 teenagers reported that the average of elements found in the mouth was 28.1±1.53, the DMFT index was 8.9±4.75, decayed teeth were 7.4±4.26, missed teeth were 0.6±0.91, filled teeth were 0,9 ± 1.97, and that 67.14 % of patients needed rehabilitation treatment. OHIP-49 showed greater impact on psychological discomfort (52.86 %), functional limitation (47.14 %), physical pain (40 %), physical disability (41.43 %), and less impact on psychological disability (28.57 %), social disability (21.43 %), and disadvantage (22.86 %). Conclusion Dental caries experience produces an average impact on the quality of life of these teenagers, being physical pain the most critical factor.(AU)

[Caries experience and quality of life of confined teenagers]. / Experiencia de caries y calidad de vida de jóvenes en situación de encierro.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of caries on the quality of life of teenagers confined in the Correctional Center of Córdoba, Argentina. METHOD: A clinical examination was conducted to 70 teenagers in order to determine DMFT and the necessary treatment. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-49) was used. RESULTS: The study conducted on a sample of 70 teenagers reported that the average of elements found in the mouth was 28.1±1.53, the DMFT index was 8.9±4.75, decayed teeth were 7.4±4.26, missed teeth were 0.6±0.91, filled teeth were 0,9 ± 1.97, and that 67.14 % of patients needed rehabilitation treatment. OHIP-49 showed greater impact on psychological discomfort (52.86 %), functional limitation (47.14 %), physical pain (40 %), physical disability (41.43 %), and less impact on psychological disability (28.57 %), social disability (21.43 %), and disadvantage (22.86 %). CONCLUSION: Dental caries experience produces an average impact on the quality of life of these teenagers, being physical pain the most critical factor.

Oral health in drug addict adolescents and non psychoactive substance users.

The purpose of this study was to compare oral health between adolescents who are recovering drug addicts and adolescents who report not having used psychoactive substances. A retrospective observational Case-Control study was conducted on 60 subjects per group, aged 15 to 25 years, paired according to sex, age and educational vulnerability. Dental and sialochemical examinations were used to determine oral health/disease/care indicators. Psychoactive substance use habits were obtained from clinical records. DMFT index for Case adolescents was 8.58}4.34, doubling the mean value for the Control group, which was 4.33}4.30. CPI was compatible with gingival-periodontal health in 45% of the Control subjects, but only 20% in the Case group. CPI categories 2 and 3 had different distributions according to the study group, with CPI2=33%, CPI3=0% for the case group and CPI2=57%; CPI3=5% for the control group. Mean values for stimulated saliva for Case and Control groups, respectively, were: salivary flow (ml/min) 1.42}1.08; 0.98}0.41, salivary pH 6.96}0.33 6.86}0.27, and buffer capacity expressed as final pH, 6.73}0.29, 6.61}0.28. Wilcoxon's test for independent samples showed significant differences (p<0.05) between Case and Control for the variables White Spot, Non-Cavitated Carious Lesions, Cavitated Carious Lesions, DMFT, Components D and M, Salivary Flow and Buffer Capacity. There was significant association between the D component in DMFT and use of psychoactive substances, both in single drug and polydrug users. Oral component status was worse in recovering drug addicts than in non-users of psychoactive substances.

Oral health in drug addict adolescents and non psychoactive substance users

The purpose of this study was to compare oral health between adolescents who are recovering drug addicts and adolescents who report not having used psychoactive substances. A retrospective observational Case-Control study was conducted on 60 subjects per group, aged 15 to 25 years, paired according to sex, age and educational vulnerability. Dental and sialochemical examinations were used to determine oral health/disease/care indicators. Psychoactive substance use habits were obtained from clinical records. DMFT index for Case adolescents was 8.58}4.34, doubling the mean value for the Control group, which was 4.33}4.30. CPI was compatible with gingival-periodontal health in 45% of the Control subjects, but only 20% in the Case group. CPI categories 2 and 3 had different distributions according to the study group, with CPI2=33%, CPI3=0% for the case group and CPI2=57%; CPI3=5% for the control group. Mean values for stimulated saliva for Case and Control groups, respectively, were: salivary flow (ml/min) 1.42}1.08; 0.98}0.41, salivary pH 6.96}0.33 6.86}0.27, and buffer capacity expressed as final pH, 6.73}0.29, 6.61}0.28. Wilcoxon's test for independent samples showed significant differences (p<0.05) between Case and Control for the variables White Spot, Non-Cavitated Carious Lesions, Cavitated Carious Lesions, DMFT, Components D and M, Salivary Flow and Buffer Capacity. There was significant association between the D component in DMFT and use of psychoactive substances, both in single drug and polydrug users. Oral component status was worse in recovering drug addicts than in non-users of psychoactive substances.

El proposito de esta investigacion fue comparar el estado de salud bucodental en adolescentes drogodependientes en recuperacion y los que no refieren consumo de sustancias psicoactivas. Se realizo un estudio observacional tipo Caso y Control, retrospectivo de 60 adolescentes de 15 a 25 anos para cada grupo, apareados segun: sexo, edad y vulnerabilidad educativa. A traves de examen clinico odontologico y sialoquimico se relevaron indicadores de saludenfermedad- atencion del componente bucal. Los habitos de consumo de sustancias psicoactivas se obtuvieron de historias clinicas. El indice CPOD en los adolescentes Casos resulto 8,58}4,34 valor que dobla la media que presenta el grupo Control 4,33}4,30. El Indice IPC presento una situacion compatible con salud gingivo-periodontal en el 45% de los sujetos Control, mientras que solo alcanzo al 20% en el grupo Caso. Las categorias 2 y 3 del IPC mostraron distribucion diferente segun el grupo de estudio siendo IPC2=33%; IPC3=0% y IPC2=57%; IPC3=5%, respectivamente para casos y controles. Los valores medios de los regis tros de saliva estimulada fueron para flujo salival (ml/min) 1,42}1,08; 0,98}0,41, pH de saliva 6,96}0,33 6,86}0,27, y la capacidad amortiguadora o buffer expresada como pH final 6,73}0,29, 6,61}0,28 para el grupo Caso y Control respectivamente. La prueba de Wilcoxon para muestras independientes puso en evidencia diferencias significativas (p<0,05) entre Caso y Control para las variables Mancha Blanca, Caries no Cavitada, Caries Penetrante, CPOD, Componentes C y P, Flujo salival y Capacidad buffer. Se observo asociacion significativa entre el componente C del CPOD y el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas tanto para la modalidad de monoconsumo como para la de policonsumo. La situacion del componente bucal de los sujetos drogodependientes en recuperacion, presenta mayor deterioro, respecto a los no consumidores de sustancias psicoactivas.

Salud bucal y hábitos de consumo de sustancias psicoactivas en adolescentes y jóvenes drogodependientes en recuperación / Oral health and psychoactive substance consumer habits in adolescents and young addicts in recovery

Objetivo: analizar la situación clínica-odontológica en relación al consumo de sustancias psicoactivas (PSA), en adolescentes y jóvenes drogodependientes en recuperación, en Córdoba, Argentina. Métodos: participaron 61 adolescentes y jóvenes de 15 a 30 años de edad. Se realizó examen clínico odontológico y se tomaron muestras de saliva total. Las variables consideradas relativas a los hábitos de consumo de SPA, se obtuvieron de historias clínicas. Se aplicó Coeficiente de Spearman y Análisis de Correspondencia para estudiar la relación entre variables. Resultados: se observó asociación (CS≥0,50) entre tiempo de exposición a SPA, Lesión-Estomatológica y componente C del CPOD. El Análisis de Correspondencia, en sujetos con exposición a SPA >7años mostró asociación entre Mancha blanca, C, IPC grado 4 y policonsumo diario. Conclusión: policonsumo, la frecuencia y el tiempo de exposición SPA, fueron los factores de mayor impacto negativo en la salud del componente bucal, en este estudio

Objective: analyze the clinical status and their relation with consumer habits of (PSA) in adolescents and young drug addicts in recovery, in Córdoba, Argentina. Methods: 61 people from 15 to 30 years of age participated. Dental clinical examination was carried out and whole saliva samples were taken. SPA consumer habits were obtained from the records. The coefficient of Sperman and correspondence analysis was applied to the study of the relationship between variables. Results: Association (CS≥0, 50) between exposure to SPA, stomatology injury and D component of DMFT was observed. The correspondence analysis in subjects with exposure to SPA > 7 showed the association between white spot, C, IPC grade 4 and polydrug use with history of daily consumption. Conclusion: polydrug use, frequency and time of exposure SPA, would be the factors of greater negative impact on the oral component health

Initial acquisition and genetic identity of Streptococcus mutans of mother-child Pairs.

PURPOSE: This study's purpose was to investigate the transmission and genetic identity of Streptococcus mutans strains in mother-child pairs from Cordoba, Argentina in order to establish whether the mother was the main source of infection of the child. METHODS: Seventeen mother-child pairs were analyzed, with samples taken of whole nonstimulated saliva and dental plaque when each child was 18 months old. The mothers gave their written, informed consent to participate in the study. The Streptococcus mutans strains were genotyped by the arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR) technique using primers OPA-02, OPA-05, and OPA-13. Three statistical analyses were used to determine genetic identity (1) Dice similarity index, (2) principal coordinates analysis/minimum spanning tree (PCoA/MST) analysis, and (3) Neighbor-joining consensus tree. RESULTS: The AP-PCR technique showed high genetic polymorphism in the S mutans strains. According to the Dice index, 10 of the 17 pairs presented genetic identity. Results from the PCoA/MST analysis and the Neighbor-joining consensus tree showed that 7 pairs presented high similarity and the other 3 showed moderate levels of similarity CONCLUSIONS: According to the results obtained with 3 primers and with 3 different statistical methods, we could determine that the mothers are an important source of infection for the child at an early age.

Early acquisition of Streptococcus mutans for children.

Existing evidence reveals that in Early Oral Infection the main route of transmission of Streptococcus mutans is mother-child saliva contacts and that initial acquisition takes place during a specific period of time denominated "Window of Infectivity" that lapses between 6 and 30 months of the child's life, with a higher risk between 18 and 30 months of age. The aim of the present study was to analyze Early Oral Infection. The levels of Streptococcus mutans in saliva and bacterial plaque in the binomial mother-child 6 to 18 months after childbirth were evaluated. Twenty-four mother-child binomials that attended the University Hospital of Maternity and Neonatology of Córdoba participated in the study. Samples of saliva and dental plaque were taken from mother and child and seeded in selective Agar Mitis Salivarius Bacitracin medium (0.28 mg/ml) and cultured for 48 hours at 37 degrees C and in 5% CO2 to allow for the growth of Streptococcus mutans. The colonies were identified morphologically and biochemically. At 6 months after childbirth: 58.33% of the samples of the mother's saliva were positive, while the presence of the microorganism was not detected in 100% of the samples of the infants' saliva. At 18 months of after childbirth: 79.16% of the samples of saliva and 100% of the samples of the mothers' dental plaque were positive, whereas the samples of saliva and dental plaque of the infants were positive for Streptococcus mutans in 20.83% and 70.83% of the cases respectively. The initial acquisition of Streptococcus mutans would have occurred in 20.8% of the children at the age of 18 months. Eruption of primary molars occurs at this age.

Early acquisition of Streptococcus mutans for children.

Existing evidence reveals that in Early Oral Infection the main route of transmission of Streptococcus mutans is mother-child saliva contacts and that initial acquisition takes place during a specific period of time denominated [quot ]Window of Infectivity[quot ] that lapses between 6 and 30 months of the childs life, with a higher risk between 18 and 30 months of age. The aim of the present study was to analyze Early Oral Infection. The levels of Streptococcus mutans in saliva and bacterial plaque in the binomial mother-child 6 to 18 months after childbirth were evaluated. Twenty-four mother-child binomials that attended the University Hospital of Maternity and Neonatology of Córdoba participated in the study. Samples of saliva and dental plaque were taken from mother and child and seeded in selective Agar Mitis Salivarius Bacitracin medium (0.28 mg/ml) and cultured for 48 hours at 37 degrees C and in 5

CO2 to allow for the growth of Streptococcus mutans. The colonies were identified morphologically and biochemically. At 6 months after childbirth: 58.33

of the samples of the mothers saliva were positive, while the presence of the microorganism was not detected in 100

of the samples of the infants saliva. At 18 months of after childbirth: 79.16

of the samples of saliva and 100

of the samples of the mothers dental plaque were positive, whereas the samples of saliva and dental plaque of the infants were positive for Streptococcus mutans in 20.83

and 70.83

of the cases respectively. The initial acquisition of Streptococcus mutans would have occurred in 20.8

of the children at the age of 18 months. Eruption of primary molars occurs at this age.

Oral health and salivary factors in rural schoolchildren.

The aim of the present study was to assess the association between some salivary factors and the oral health status of rural schoolchildren of Córdoba (Argentina). The study involved 19 students (aged 5-14 years) who attended 8 rural schools of the region. We determined indices (r)dmf-t, (r)DMF-T and S-OHI. pH, salivary flow (vol/min), protein concentration, calcium and phosphate levels and the molar Ca/P ratio were evaluated in stimulated saliva. The arithmetic mean and standard error were assessed for each of the parameters. We employed the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to assess the similarities and differences between salivary components for the splits (r)dmft = 0, (r)dmft > 0, (r)DMFT = 0 and (r)DMFT > 0. We observed a positive correlation (Spearman's coefficient, p < or = 0.05) between the concentration of proteins, calcium, phosphate and salivary flow. The mean values for the salivary parameters evaluated evidence differences in the oral health status between the different schools under study. In five of the schools evaluated, the variables that best explain the condition of caries disease were concentration of proteins, calcium, phosphate, and the Ca/P molar ratio. The variation observed in the oral health indicators, volume/minute and salivary components between schools evidences the need to perform individual studies for each school and consider the needs and possibilities of each community when designing programs to promote oral health.

[Assessment of health and record of disease in the promotion of health oral]. / Reconocimiento de salud y registro de enfermedad en la promoción de la salud bucal.

BACKGROUND: At present, epidemiologic dentistry has numerous indexes to measure illness such as DMFT, dmft and S-OHI which are broadly used for illness diagnosis in different population groups. On the other hand, the index INSAO proposed differs from the approach focused on the disease itself. INSAO offers a parameter to measure the degree of health of teeth and gums and thus provides the patient with the information about their health. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyze the usefulness of the information provided by the traditional indexes and those recorded by INSAO, to the oral health evaluation in rural schools of the north of Córdoba, Argentina. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in school children, aged 5 to 14 attending 8 rural primary schools. Data was collected from a clinical examination. Caries experience was measured according WHO indications. The dmf-t and DMF-T indexes were determined. Oral hygiene was evaluated by means S-OHI. The total amount of teeth present in the mouth, sound teeth number, and the state of the gum were registered to built INSAO index. RESULTS: Inverse correspondence is observed between dental health level through INSAO and the disease through proportion of permanent and temporary teeth with cavities active recorded by dmf-t and DMF-T indexes. CONCLUSION: The application of INSAO is presented as a valuable instrument in the promotion of oral health in communities that belong to excluded social groups due to their special characteristics.

Oral health and salivary factors in rural schoolchildren.

The aim of the present study was to assess the association between some salivary factors and the oral health status of rural schoolchildren of Córdoba (Argentina). The study involved 19 students (aged 5-14 years) who attended 8 rural schools of the region. We determined indices (r)dmf-t, (r)DMF-T and S-OHI. pH, salivary flow (vol/min), protein concentration, calcium and phosphate levels and the molar Ca/P ratio were evaluated in stimulated saliva. The arithmetic mean and standard error were assessed for each of the parameters. We employed the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to assess the similarities and differences between salivary components for the splits (r)dmft = 0, (r)dmft > 0, (r)DMFT = 0 and (r)DMFT > 0. We observed a positive correlation (Spearmans coefficient, p < or = 0.05) between the concentration of proteins, calcium, phosphate and salivary flow. The mean values for the salivary parameters evaluated evidence differences in the oral health status between the different schools under study. In five of the schools evaluated, the variables that best explain the condition of caries disease were concentration of proteins, calcium, phosphate, and the Ca/P molar ratio. The variation observed in the oral health indicators, volume/minute and salivary components between schools evidences the need to perform individual studies for each school and consider the needs and possibilities of each community when designing programs to promote oral health.

Reconocimiento de salud y registro de enfermedad en la promoción de la salud bucal. / [Assessment of health and record of disease in the promotion of health oral]

BACKGROUND: At present, epidemiologic dentistry has numerous indexes to measure illness such as DMFT, dmft and S-OHI which are broadly used for illness diagnosis in different population groups. On the other hand, the index INSAO proposed differs from the approach focused on the disease itself. INSAO offers a parameter to measure the degree of health of teeth and gums and thus provides the patient with the information about their health. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyze the usefulness of the information provided by the traditional indexes and those recorded by INSAO, to the oral health evaluation in rural schools of the north of Córdoba, Argentina. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in school children, aged 5 to 14 attending 8 rural primary schools. Data was collected from a clinical examination. Caries experience was measured according WHO indications. The dmf-t and DMF-T indexes were determined. Oral hygiene was evaluated by means S-OHI. The total amount of teeth present in the mouth, sound teeth number, and the state of the gum were registered to built INSAO index. RESULTS: Inverse correspondence is observed between dental health level through INSAO and the disease through proportion of permanent and temporary teeth with cavities active recorded by dmf-t and DMF-T indexes. CONCLUSION: The application of INSAO is presented as a valuable instrument in the promotion of oral health in communities that belong to excluded social groups due to their special characteristics.

Oral health and salivary factors in rural schoolchildren

El propósito del presente trabajo fue evaluar la asociación entre algunos factores salivales y el estado de salud bucodental de escolares rurales de Córdoba (Argentina). El estudio incluyó 199 alumnos entre 5 y 14 años de edad, asistentes a 8 escuelas de la región, determinándose los índice ceo-d(r) y CPO-D(r) y el índice IHO-S. En saliva estimulada se evaluó: pH, flujo salival (vol/min), concentración de proteínas, de calcio y de fosfato y la relación molar Ca/P. Para cada una de las variables se determinó media aritmética y error estándar. Se aplicó el análisis de componente principal (ACP) para explorar las similitudes y diferencias entre los componentes salivales para las categorías ceo-d(r) = 0, ceo-c(r) > 0, CPO-D(r) = 0 y CPO-D(r)>0. Se obsevó correlación positiva (coeficiente de Spearman, p>- 0.05) entre las concentraciones de proteínas, calcio, fosfato y flujo salival. Los valores medios de las variables salivales estudiadas muestran diferencias entre las distintas comunidades escolares, relacionadas con el estado de salud dental de las mismas. En cinco de las ocho excuelas investigadas las variables que mejor explican la condición de enfermedad de caries son concentración de proteínas, calcio, fosfato yla retención molar Ca/P. La variabilidad observada en los indicadores de salud dental, en el volúmen/minuto y en los componentes salivales entre escuelas, evidencia la necesidad de realizar análisis individualizados para cada escuela al momento de diseñar programas de promoción de salud bucal, que respeten las necesidades y posibilidades de cada comunidad. (AU)

Oral health and salivary factors in rural schoolchildren

El propósito del presente trabajo fue evaluar la asociación entre algunos factores salivales y el estado de salud bucodental de escolares rurales de Córdoba (Argentina). El estudio incluyó 199 alumnos entre 5 y 14 años de edad, asistentes a 8 escuelas de la región, determinándose los índice ceo-d(r) y CPO-D(r) y el índice IHO-S. En saliva estimulada se evaluó: pH, flujo salival (vol/min), concentración de proteínas, de calcio y de fosfato y la relación molar Ca/P. Para cada una de las variables se determinó media aritmética y error estándar. Se aplicó el análisis de componente principal (ACP) para explorar las similitudes y diferencias entre los componentes salivales para las categorías ceo-d(r) = 0, ceo-c(r) > 0, CPO-D(r) = 0 y CPO-D(r)>0. Se obsevó correlación positiva (coeficiente de Spearman, p>- 0.05) entre las concentraciones de proteínas, calcio, fosfato y flujo salival. Los valores medios de las variables salivales estudiadas muestran diferencias entre las distintas comunidades escolares, relacionadas con el estado de salud dental de las mismas. En cinco de las ocho excuelas investigadas las variables que mejor explican la condición de enfermedad de caries son concentración de proteínas, calcio, fosfato yla retención molar Ca/P. La variabilidad observada en los indicadores de salud dental, en el volúmen/minuto y en los componentes salivales entre escuelas, evidencia la necesidad de realizar análisis individualizados para cada escuela al momento de diseñar programas de promoción de salud bucal, que respeten las necesidades y posibilidades de cada comunidad.