[Oral health status evaluation of pre-school children: longitudinal epidemiologic study (1993-1994), Córdoba,

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Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
08:47

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults

Published on: February 2, 2020

L J Battellino1, L S Cornejo, S T Dorronsoro de Cattoni

  • 1Cátedra de Química y Física Biológicas de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina. luisjose@odo1.odo.unc.edu.ar

Revista De Saude Publica
|June 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Children from lower socioeconomic levels (SEL III) have a nearly five times higher risk of dental caries. Preventive measures like assisted toothbrushing and fluoride treatments significantly reduce caries incidence in these children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Context:

  • A longitudinal survey examined 820 four-year-old children in Cordoba City.
  • Investigated the relationship between socioeconomic level (SEL) and dental caries incidence.
  • Assessed oral hygiene, oral health indexes, and caries risk factors.

Purpose:

  • To determine the role of various variables in the incidence of dental caries among preschool children.
  • To analyze the correlation between socioeconomic status and caries development.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of preventive interventions.

Summary:

  • Caries incidence, dmf-t, dmf-s, and relative caries risk were inversely related to socioeconomic level.
  • Children in SEL III exhibited a 4.9 times higher risk of caries compared to SEL I.
  • While sugar intake was higher in SEL III, caries experience showed a moderate correlation with carbohydrate intake. No significant salivary biochemical differences were found.
  • Lesion location differed by SEL: smooth surfaces in SEL I, occlusal surfaces in SEL III.
  • Assisted toothbrushing and fluoride applications significantly reduced caries incidence in SEL III children, approaching SEL I rates.

Impact:

  • Findings highlight the significant impact of socioeconomic factors on early childhood caries.
  • Identifies specific preventive strategies (assisted brushing, fluoride) crucial for high-risk populations.
  • Emphasizes the need for targeted public health interventions for vulnerable socioeconomic groups to reduce caries disparities.

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