Sociodemographic, biological and behavioural risk factors associated with incidence of dental caries in schoolchildren's first permanent molars: a 3-year follow-up study

AIM

This was to investigate the incidence of dental caries on the occlusal surface of the first permanent molars of schoolchildren, and also the associated sociodemographic, behavioural and biological risk factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A three-year longitudinal study on dental caries of the occlusal surface of the first permanent molars was carried out in 224 children between 9 and 11 years of age, from two public schools in Brazil. Sociodemographic, behavioural and biological risk factors were correlated with the dental caries incidence. Data collection involved dental examination and a structured questionnaire. The dependent variable was the occurrence of carious lesion. Independent variables were (baseline): age, sex, previous dental treatment, tooth brushing frequency, fluoride history of use, monthly family income, mother's education level, caries experience, visible dental plaque, and the eruption stage of the teeth in question.

RESULTS

Statistics revealed a 25.4% occurrence of dental caries on the occlusal surface of the first permanent molars. The presence of visible dental plaque and history of caries (baseline) were considered risk factors for the presence of carious lesions in the examined teeth (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Dental caries on the occlusal surface of first permanent molars was associated with a history of dental caries and presence of dental plaque on the teeth in question in the first phase of the study.

Factors related to dental caries in adolescents in southeastern Brazil

AIM

Identify the experience of dental caries among adolescents associated to work, self-care, social life and access to healthcare services.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was carried out with 60 adolescents aged 15 and 16 years in a city in southeastern Brazil. The data were collected through a structured interview and clinical exam for dental caries carried out by a single, duly calibrated examiner (Kappa=0.8 to 0.9). The relationships between the dependent variable (experience of dental caries) and independent variables (work, self-care, social life and access to healthcare services) was determined using bivariate (chi square test, p<0.10) and multivariate analysis (p<0.25).

RESULTS

Eighty percent had two or more teeth with caries (95% CI: 70.0-90.0). Mean DMFT was 4.72 (± 3.55) and DMFS was 8.07 (± 7.46). When the experience of caries was related to the independent variables, only access to healthcare services achieved statistical significance. Individuals with greater access had a threefold greater chance of belonging to the group with a lesser experience with caries, PR=3.2 (90% CI 1.07-9.78).

CONCLUSION

All interviewees reported seeking care in the private system when requiring dental assistance. Access to healthcare (declared as essentially private) was associated to dental caries.