Consequences of Untreated Dental Caries on Schoolchildren in Mexico State's Rural and Urban Areas

Background/Objectives: Dental caries is the most prevalent oral condition worldwide. Consequences of untreated dental caries (CUDC) can range from pulp damage and soft tissue ulceration due to root debris to more severe issues, such as fistulas and abscesses. Rural communities might be more vulnerable to CUDC because of lower socioeconomic status, poorer access to healthcare, and lower education levels. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the prevalence of CUDC in rural and urban areas in schoolchildren aged 8 to 12 years in the State of Mexico. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the PUFA index, considering the presence of pulp involvement (P), soft tissue ulcerations due to root remnants (U), fistulas (F), and abscesses (A). The independent variable was the geographic area (rural or urban), and the covariates were nutritional status, hyposalivation, having one's own toothbrush, and having received topical fluoride in the last year. Logistic regression models were fitted, calculating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The prevalence of CUDC (PUFA > 0) was 42.9% in rural areas and 25.9% in urban areas. Residing in a rural area (OR: 2.15, 95% CI 1.38-3.34, p = 0.001), hyposalivation (OR: 1.93, 95% CI 1.11-3.37, p = 0.020), and professional fluoride application (OR: 0.15, 95% CI 0.07-0.32, p < 0.001) were associated with the prevalence of CUDC. Conclusions: To prevent caries and its clinical consequences due to the lack of treatment, it is important to promote timely care seeking and access to dental care services, considering the conditions of each geographic area.