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Caries trends in Brazilian non-privileged preschool children in 1996 and 2006

J C Carvalho1, M J Figueiredo, E O Vieira

  • 1School of Dentistry, Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium. joana.carvalho@uclouvain.be

Caries Research
|December 11, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Caries prevalence in Brazilian preschoolers significantly decreased by nearly half between 1996 and 2006. This study indicates a reduced rate of caries progression, highlighting the need for further oral health improvements in non-privileged children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Dental caries remains a significant public health issue globally, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.
  • Understanding caries trends in non-privileged preschool children is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze dental caries trends in Brazilian non-privileged preschool children from 1996 to 2006.
  • To evaluate if a decline in caries prevalence correlated with a reduced rate of caries progression.

Main Methods:

  • A longitudinal study involving two cohorts of preschool children (aged 1-5) in Brazil's Federal District (1996: n=1,465; 2006: n=2,511).
  • Clinical examinations assessed tooth surface status (sound, active/inactive lesions, fillings, extractions).
  • Statistical analysis included chi-squared and Mann-Whitney tests to compare caries prevalence and progression rates.

Main Results:

  • A significant increase in caries-free children was observed (p<0.05).
  • Caries prevalence decreased by almost 50% from 1996 to 2006.
  • A statistically significant reduction in the mean caries score at the surface level, including non-cavitated lesions, was found across all age groups (p<0.002), indicating a slower rate of caries progression.

Conclusions:

  • The study demonstrates a substantial decline in caries prevalence among Brazilian non-privileged preschoolers over a decade.
  • Despite fluoride access and moderate prevalence, additional strategies are necessary to further reduce caries progression and enhance oral health in this population.

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