Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
10:42

Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children

Published on: December 31, 2017

Risk indicators of gingivitis in 5-year-old Brazilian children

Karine Laura Cortellazzi1, Stela Márcia Pereira, Elaine Pereira de Silva Tagliaferro

  • 1Department of Community Dentistry, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), SP, Brazil. karine.cortellazzi@gmail.com

Oral Health & Preventive Dentistry
|July 22, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Gingivitis affects 16.6% of 5-year-olds in Piracicaba. Risk factors include low family income, male gender, initial caries, and tooth crowding, highlighting the need for early intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Gingivitis is a common oral health issue in children.
  • Identifying risk factors is crucial for prevention and early intervention strategies.
  • Socioeconomic and clinical factors may influence gingivitis prevalence in young children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of gingivitis in 5-year-old preschool children in Piracicaba, Brazil.
  • To identify socioeconomic, clinical, and gender-related risk indicators for gingivitis in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted with 728 five-year-old children from public and private preschools.
  • Clinical examinations assessed gingival status using the gingival alteration index.
  • Parental questionnaires collected data on socioeconomic variables.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of gingivitis was 16.6%.
  • Significant risk indicators identified through logistic regression included low monthly family income (up to 4 minimum wages), male gender, presence of initial caries lesions, and tooth crowding.
  • Several socioeconomic and clinical variables were initially associated with gingivitis.

Conclusions:

  • Gingivitis affects 16.6% of 5-year-old children in Piracicaba.
  • Low family income, male gender, initial caries, and tooth crowding are significant risk indicators for gingivitis in this age group.
  • These findings emphasize the importance of targeted oral health interventions for at-risk children.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Breakfast Habits among Schoolchildren in the City of Uruguaiana, Brazil06:48

Breakfast Habits among Schoolchildren in the City of Uruguaiana, Brazil

Published on: July 29, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Mouth01:26

Assessment of the Mouth

A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
The Oral Microbiota01:27

The Oral Microbiota

The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...
Teeth01:15

Teeth

The formation of teeth, also known as odontogenesis, is a complex process that begins in utero, around the sixth week of embryonic development. There are three stages to this process: the bud stage, the cap stage, and the bell stage.
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...