Prevalência de cárie dentária e fatores associados em pré-escolares nas creches de Governador Valadares

Abstract

The objective was to determine the prevalence of caries and associated factors in preschool children. The present cross-sectional study had as target population children with deciduous teeth between 2 and 6 years old from two municipal day care centers in Governador Valadares. To form part of the sample, parents or guardians signed an informed consent form (CEP no 2,740,143). Children 28 were excluded. Two examiners were trained for the clinical examination and the dmft-d index was used. A questionnaire based on the literature and previously tested, included sociodemographic and behavioral information and was applied to the mothers. Statistical analysis was descriptive and bivariate inferential using Chi-square, Fisher and/or linear trend tests. Ninety seven children participated in the study. Most children were female (53.6%), were 5 and 6 years old (42.6%), had black/brown skin color (60.4%) and were from families with an income of less than 1 minimum wage. (56.5%). The caries experience was 26.6%. Decayed teeth were observed in 24.1% of children. The highest prevalence of caries was associated with age and maxillary overjet (p<0.0001). In the children in the study, the prevalence of caries and decayed teeth in the primary dentition was high, being associated with older age and maxillary overjet.