Untreated dental caries in Brazilian adolescents: analysis by the PUFA index

To describe the distribution profile of untreated dental caries in Brazilian adolescents, using the PUFA index, and identify the main associated factors.

This is a cross-sectional study based on data from the 2023 National Survey of Oral Health. The sample consisted of 8,053 adolescents aged 15 to 19 years. The dependent variable was the presence of untreated caries, measured by the PUFA index. Independent variables included sociodemographic and oral health-related factors such as impacts on quality of life and access to dental services. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed using the Rao-Scott test and multiple logistic regression, considering a significance level of 5% (p<0.05).

We verified that 12.5% of Brazilian adolescents had at least one tooth affected by some repercussion of untreated caries. There were statistically significant associations between PUFA≥1 and the adolescents' socioeconomic conditions, such as lower level of education, low family income, being beneficiary of government cash transfer programs, in addition to Black skin color/race. We observed a negative impact on the quality of life of 22.4% of adolescents with PUFA index ≥1, and 19.1% had never had a dental appointment. Low family income, presence of pain in the last six months, and self-perceived need for dental treatment were factors strongly associated with PUFA≥1.

Social determinants influenced the progression of dental caries in adolescents. Therefore, social policies targeting Black adolescents and expanded access to dental services are essential to reduce oral health problems in this more vulnerable population.