ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the role of poverty and its related factors on early childhood caries (ECC) experience among deprived children. Material and Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study surveyed 418 children aged one to six years enrolled in Brazilian public preschools from an area of the country known for its high social deprivation. Intraoral examination of children evaluated dental caries experience (dmft). Parents/caregivers answered a questionnaire with sociodemographic indicators. Family income was dichotomized into below or above poverty line. Data analysis used Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test, and Multivariate Logistic Regression analysis (p<0.05). Results: Predisposing variables for an increased chance of ECC were: age group 3-4 years (OR: 4.89; 95% CI: 2.32-10.31), age group 5-6-years (OR: 5.60; 95% CI: 2.60-12.04), being part of families living below poverty line (OR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.04-3.38) and having mothers with less than nine years of schooling (OR: 2.86; 95% CI: 2.77-7.14). Children from families living below poverty line presented higher dmft (2.9 +3.8; p=0.001) and untreated dental caries (d component) (2.7 +3.7; p=0.002). Conclusion: ECC in a poor population was influenced by indicators of social deprivation. The poorest of poor children from mothers with less years of schooling were at higher risk.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the association between dental caries experience, severe dental caries experience and socioeconomic determinants on oral health-related quality of life among children and their families. Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study whose sample was composed of children aged 4-12 years, who sought dental care in a dentistry school clinic, and their parents/caregivers. Dental caries experience and severe dental caries experience were assessed according to the DMF-T/dmf-t indexes. Parents/caregivers answered the Parental-Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ), the Family Impact Scale (FIS) and a questionnaire on socioeconomic and demographic conditions. Data analysis included the chi-square test and Poisson regression (PR). Results: The sample was composed of 105 children and their parents/caregivers. Severe dental caries experience in children was determinant for negative perception of children's OHRQoL by parents/caregivers (PR = 1.22; CI = 1.05-1.41). Negative impact on OHRQoL perceived by family members was determined by severe dental caries experience in children (PR = 1.22; CI = 1.05-1.42) and family income <5 minimum wage (PR = 1.32; CI = 1.08-1.61). Conclusion: Severe dental caries experience was associated with a negative impact on OHRQoL perceived by children and their families. Low family income was associated with a negative impact on the OHRQoL perceived by children and their families.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the occurrence of dental trauma in a group of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in comparison to children without the disorder. Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the Department of Children and Adolescents Health in the Department of Health of Juiz de Fora, Brazil. The study included individuals with and without ASD, between three and 16 years old, and their parents/caregivers. Children/adolescents were assessed for dental trauma by clinical examination. All exams were performed by a trained and calibrated examiner (MCT), and intra-examiner reliability was previously established (Kappa=0.93). The Socio-demographic status was reported by parents/caregivers. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and generation of frequency distributions. Fisher’s exact test was used to evaluate the association between groups of children/adolescents with and without ASD about the presence of dental trauma. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: Sixty children of both sexes participated in the study, thirty with a diagnosis of ASD and thirty without. The age ranging from 3 to 13 years, with an average of 7.5 ± 3.2 years. Children with ASD had a higher frequency of dental trauma than children without ASD (p=0.02), and the most frequent type of trauma was enamel fracture (57.10%), followed by enamel/dentin fracture without pulp exposure (42.90%). Conclusion: Children with ASD, when compared to children who did not have ASD, had a higher occurrence of dental trauma.

Abstract Information about bacterial diversity, such as the number of each species in the root canals of primary teeth, contributes to improving our effective management of infections of endodontic origin in primary teeth. This study made a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the bacteria in the root canals of primary teeth with necrotic pulp, using the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique. Thirty-one primary teeth with pulp necrosis from 31 children were evaluated using the FISH technique, to detect the presence and density of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Campylobacter rectus, Enterococcus faecalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens, Streptococcus, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola. Descriptive measures explained the data related to density, and Student’s t-test assessed the differences among the densities of each bacterium, according to signs and symptoms. The bacterial density was paired and correlated. All bacteria tested were detected and identified in all the samples. The average number of bacterial individuals from each species ranged from 1.9 x 108 cells/mL (S. mutans) to 3.1 x 108 cells/mL (F. nucleatum) (p > 0.05). The sum of the mean counts of each bacterium represented almost 80% of the entire microbial community. Patients with pain had significantly more T. denticola, and those with edema showed a greater density of Streptococcus and P. nigrescens (p < 0.05). This study revealed that all 12 bacteria evaluated were found in all primary teeth with pulp necrosis. There was no predominance among the species studied; all species had a similar number of individuals.

Resumo A vigilância da coqueluche intensificou-se no Brasil com o aumento de casos a partir de 2012. Em 2015, a quantidade de notificações no Distrito Federal diminuiu, possivelmente devido à introdução da vacina adsorvida difteria, tétano e pertussis acelular para gestantes em novembro de 2014 no país. Trata-se de estudo descritivo, baseado na revisão das notificações compulsórias de coqueluche no Sistema de Notificação Nacional entre 2007 e 2016. Constatou-se que a doença atinge principalmente crianças menores de 1 ano com esquemas vacinais incompletos. A administração dessa vacina para gestantes mostrou-se importante ferramenta para proteger bebês menores de 6 meses.

Abstract Pertussis monitoring intensified in Brazil with the increase of cases since 2012. In 2015, the number of notifications in the Federal District decreased, possibly due to the introduction of diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis vaccine for pregnant women in November 2014 in the country. This is a descriptive study based on the review of compulsory pertussis reporting in the National Notification System between 2007 and 2016. It was found that the disease mainly affects children under one year of age with incomplete vaccination regimens. The administration of this vaccine to pregnant women has proved to be an important tool to protect babies under six months.

Resumen La vigilancia de la tos ferina se intensificó en Brasil con el aumento de casos a partir de 2012. En 2015, la cantidad de notificaciones en el Distrito Federal disminuyó, posiblemente debido a la introducción de la vacuna contra la difteria, el tétanos y la pertussis acelular para gestantes, en noviembre de 2014, en el país. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, basado en la revisión de las notificaciones obligatorias de tos ferina en el Sistema de Notificación Nacional, entre 2007 y 2016. Se constató que la enfermedad afecta principalmente a niños menores de 1 año con regímenes de vacunación incompletos. La administración de esta vacuna a mujeres embarazadas se mostró como una importante herramienta para proteger a los bebés menores de 6 meses.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a estrutura interna e a relação das habilidades cognitivas avaliadas pela Bateria de Avaliação Intelectual de Adultos (BAIAD). A amostra foi composta por 963 indivíduos (615 F, 348 M), idades entre 15-64 anos (M = 21, DP/SD/DS = 8). A BAID é composta de sete subtestes: sinônimos, antônimos, analogias, pensamento lógico, pensamento viso-espacial, memória visual-auditiva, rapidez de raciocino. A análise de itens permitiu a redução da BAIAD e índices de precisão de 0,99. A análise confirmatória seguiu o modelo CHC (inteligência cristalizada, inteligência fluída e um fator geral - G) e indicou seu ajuste aos dados. A análise de rede que buscou explorar a relação entre os pares dos indicadores cognitivos e o agrupamento das comunidades apoiou o modelo teórico. Conclui-se que a BAIAD possui evidências de validade e índices de precisão adequados para avaliar a inteligência de adultos.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to analyze the internal structure and the relation of the cognitive abilities evaluated by the Battery of Intellectual Assessment of Adults (BAIAD). The sample consisted of 963 subjects (615 F, 348 M), ages 15-64 years (Median = 21, DP/SD/DS = 8). The BAIAD is composed of seven tests: synonyms, antonyms, analogies, logical thinking, visual spatial thinking, visual-auditory memory and speed of reasoning. Item analysis allowed the reduction of BAIAD and reached the reliability indexes of 0.99. The confirmatory analysis followed the CHC model (crystallized intelligence, fluid intelligence and a general factor -G) and indicated its fit to the data. The network analysis which explored the relationship between the pairs of cognitive indicators and the communities grouping supported the theoretical model. We conclude that BAIAD has validity evidences and adequate reliability to assess adults’ intelligence.

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la estructura interna y la relación de las habilidades cognitivas evaluadas por la Batería de Evaluación Intelectual de Adultos BAIAD). La muestra fue compuesta por 963 individuos (615 F, 348 M), con edades entre 15-64 años (Mediana = 21, DP/SD/DS = 8). La BAIAD está compuesta de 7 subtests: sinónimos, antónimos, analogías, pensamiento lógico, pensamiento visoespacial, memoria visual auditiva, rápidez de razonamiento.El análisis de ítems permitió la reducción de la BAIAD e índices de precisión de 0,99. El análisis confirmatorio siguió el modelo CHC (inteligencia cristalizada, inteligencia fluída y un factor general-G) e indicó su ajuste a los datos. El análisis de red que buscó explorar la relación entre los pares de indicadores cognitivos, y el agrupamiento de las comunidades, apoyó el modelo teórico. Se concluye que la BAIAD posee evidencias de validez e índices de precisión adecuados para evaluar la inteligencia de adultos.

Abstract Background: Several studies have demonstrated that platelet counts in Helicobacter pylori-positive patients with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura improved significantly after successful eradication of the infection. However, depending of the geographical region of the study the results have been highly divergent. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of H. pylori eradication therapy on platelet count in a cohort of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura patients from northeastern Brazil. Method: H. pylori status was determined in 28 chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura patients using the rapid urease test and histology. H. pylori-positive patients received standard triple therapy for one week. The effect of the eradication therapy was evaluated using the 13C-urea breath test two to three months after treatment. Results: The prevalence of H. pylori infection was similar to that found in the general population. Twenty-two patients (78.5%) were H. pylori-positive. Fifteen were treated, 13 (86%) of whom successfully. At six months, 4/13 (30%) displayed increased platelet counts, which remained throughout follow-up (12 months). Platelet response was not associated to mean baseline platelet count, duration of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, gender, age, previous use of medication, or splenectomy. Conclusions: H. pylori eradication therapy showed relatively low platelet recovery rates, comparable with previous studies from southeastern Brazil. The effect of H. pylori eradication on platelet counts remained after one year of follow-up suggesting that treating H. pylori infection might be worthwhile in a subset of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura patients.

Abstract Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are strongly associated with dental caries. However, the relationship between oral streptococci and dental caries in children with Down syndrome is not well characterized. Objective To assess and compare dental caries experience and salivary S. mutans, S. sobrinus, and streptococci counts between groups of Down syndrome and non-Down syndrome children and adolescents. Material and Methods This study included a sample of 30 Down syndrome children and adolescents (G-DS) and 30 age- and sex-matched non-Down syndrome subjects (G-ND). Dental caries experience was estimated by the number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth in the primary dentition and the permanent dentition. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected from all participants. The fluorescence in situ hybridization technique was used to identify the presence and counts of the bacteria. The statistical analysis included chi-square, Student’s t-test and Spearman’s correlation. Results The G-DS exhibited a significantly higher caries-free rate (p<0.001) and a lower S. mutans salivary density (p<0.001). No significant differences were found in the salivary densities of S. sobrinus or streptococci between the groups (p=0.09 and p=0.21, respectively). The salivary S. mutans or S. sobrinus densities were not associated with dental caries experience in neither group. Conclusion The reduced dental caries experience observed in this group of Down syndrome children and adolescents cannot be attributed to lower salivary S. mutans densities, as determined with the fluorescence in situ hybridization technique.

O objetivo neste estudo foi avaliar o índice de contaminação dos equipamentos de radiografias digitais intra e extrabucais da clínica de radiologia odontológica de uma instituição pública de ensino. As amostras foram coletadas em três dias distintos, em dois momentos: pela manhã, antes dos atendimentos clínicos, e ao final do dia, após os atendimentos e antes dos procedimen tos de limpeza e desinfecção. As amostras foram coletadas do aparelho de raios X periapical (cabeçote, braço articular, painel de controle e botão disparador); do aparelho de raios X panorâmico (apoio temporal, bloco de mordida, painel de controle e botão disparador); do sistema digital intrabucal (sensor); dos computadores dos sistemas digitais (teclado emouse). As amostras foram semeadas em diferentes meios de cultura e, após incubação, foram contadas as unidades formadoras de colônia (UFC/mL). Testes bioquímicos foram realizados para colônias suspeitas de Staphylococcus, Streptococcus e bastonetes Gram negativos(BGN). Os fungos foram diferenciados visualmente em fungos filamentosos e leveduras. Os resultados indicaram crescimento de fungos e Staphylococcus em todos os locais amostrados. Em relação aos BGN, houve crescimento em todos os locais coletados do equipamento radiográfico intrabucal. No aparelho panorâmico, houve crescimento de BGN apenas no botão disparador, teclado e mouse. De maneira geral, houve maior número de UFC/mL antes do uso. Pode se concluir que é necessário implantar protocolos mais rigorosos de controle de infecção na prática radiológica, evitando que a obtenção de exames radiográficos seja um veículo para contaminação cruzada na FO/UFJF.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the contamination rate of intraand extraoral digital Xray equipment in a dental radiology clinic at a public educational institution. Samples were collected on three different days, at two times in the day: in the morning, before attending patients, and at the end of the day, after appointment hours and before cleaning and disinfection procedures. Samples were collected from the periapical Xray machine (tube head, positioning device, control panel and activator button), the panoramic Xray machine (temporal support, bite block, control panel and activator button), the intraoral digital system (sensor), and the digital system computers (keyboard and mouse). The samples were seeded in different culture media, incubated, and colonyforming units (CFU/mL) counted. Biochemical tests were performed for suspected colonies of Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Gramnegative bacilli (GNB). Fungi were visually differentiated into filamentous fungi and yeasts. The results indicated the growth of fungi and Staphylococcus from all sampling locations. GNB growth was observed from all sites sampled from the intraoral Xray equipment. On the panoramic unit, GNB growth was observed in samples from activator button, keyboard and mouse. In general, a higher number of CFU/mL was present before use. It can be concluded that more stringent protocols are needed to control infection and prevent Xray exams from acting as vehicle for cross contamination.

Abstract This study was aimed to provide a longitudinal overview of the subgingival bacterial microbiome using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique, in women in the second trimester of pregnancy (between 14 and 24 weeks), and 48 h and 8 weeks postpartum. Of 31 women evaluated during pregnancy, 24 returned for the 48-h and 18 for their 8-week exams postpartum. Probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level, and presence of calculus were recorded. Subgingival plaque samples were collected, and FISH was used to identify the numbers of eight periodontal pathogens. Friedman test was used to compare differences between follow-up examinations, followed by a multiple comparison test for a post hoc pairwise comparison. Clinically, a significantly greater number of teeth with PD = 4–5 mm were found during pregnancy than on postpartum examinations. Microbial analysis showed a statistically significant decrease in cell count over the study period for Prevotella nigrescens. P. intermedia, Campylobacter rectus, and Porphyromonas gingivalis also decrease, although not significantly, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans increased. No significant changes were found for Fusobacterium nucleatum, Treponema denticola, or Tannerella forsythia. Our data demonstrate a change in the subgingival microbiota during pregnancy, at least for P. nigrescens.

The aim of this study was to use the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique to test the hypothesis of qualitative and quantitative differences of 8 periodontopathogens between pregnant and non-pregnant women. This cross-sectional study included 20 pregnant women in their second trimester of pregnancy and 20 non-pregnant women. Probing depth, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level, and presence of calculus were recorded. Subgingival plaque samples were collected and the FISH technique identified the presence and numbers of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Tannerella forsythia, Campylobacter rectus, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia and Prevotella nigrescens. The Mann-Whitney U-test was applied to compare the data between the two groups. The mean age, ethnicity, marital status, education, and economic level in both groups were similar. The clinical parameters showed no significant differences between pregnant and non-pregnant women. The numbers of subgingival periodontopathogens were not found to be significantly different between groups, despite the higher mean counts of P. intermedia in pregnant women. Colonization patterns of the different bacteria most commonly associated with periodontal disease were not different in the subgingival plaque of pregnant and non-pregnant women.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar o efeito das partículas de hidroxiapatita bovina (HA) nos estágios iniciais da reparação óssea em modelo de defeito ósseo em fêmur de ratos. METDOLOGIA: Defeito ósseo não crítico de 2 mm de diâmetro foi feito em cada fêmur de 25 ratos Wistar albinos. O defeito do fêmur esquerdo foi preenchido com HA enquanto a cavidade direita foi preenchida apenas com sangue. Cinco animais foram sacrificados no 1º, 3º, 5º, 7º e 14º dia pós-cirúrgico. Os cortes histológicos do tecido ósseo foram corados com hematoxicilina e eosina para comparação da resposta inflamatória por microscopia óptica. Análise histomorfométrica do tecido ósseo neoformado foi avaliado nos três últimos períodos utilizando o teste t de Student para comparação de ambos os grupos em cada período de avaliação (a=0,05). RESULTADOS: A análise histológica mostrou o mesmo padrão de reparação óssea no 1º e 3º dia; entretanto, no 5º dia pós-cirúrgico houve um maior depósito de fibras de colágeno ao redor dos cristais de hidroxiapatita e uma maior espessura do perióstio oposto. Não houve diferença histomorfométrica significativa entre os grupos em todos os períodos avaliados. CONCLUSÃO: Pode ser concluído que a hidroxiapatita não acelera os estágios inicias da reparação óssea, apesar de induzir a um maior depósito de fibras de colágeno.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to characterize the effect of bovine hydroxyapatite particles (HA) on the early stages of bone repairing in a rat femur defect model. METHODS: A non-critical 2 mm diameter bone defect was made in both femurs of 25 male albino Wistar rats. The left femurs defects were filled with HA and the right femurs defects were just let to fill with blood. Five animals were sacrificed at the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th or 14th post-surgery day and bone tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for comparison of inflammatory response by light microscopy. Histomorphometrical analysis of the newly formed bone was evaluated at the three last periods, using independent t-student test to compare both groups at each period (a=0.05). RESULTS: Histological analyses showed same standard of bone repair on first and third day; however, from the fifth post-surgery day there was a higher deposit of collagen fibers surrounding the hydroxyapatite particles and a greater thickness of the opposite side periosteum. There was no significant histomorphometrical difference between groups at all periods. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that hydroxyapatite does not accelerate the early-stage of bone repairing, despite of induction of a higher deposit of collagen fibers.

O objetivo foi construir tabelas normativas do Rorschach Sistema Compreensivo para crianças brasileiras alunas de escolas particulares e públicas. A amostra foi selecionada por meio da Child Behavior Checklist e do teste de Raven. O Rorschach foi aplicado em crianças de 7 a 10 anos, de ambos os gêneros, de escolas públicas (N=110) e particulares (N=101), da cidade de Cuiabá, MT. Foram construídas tabelas normativas das 113 variáveis do Rorschach SC considerando origem escolar e faixa etária. A comparação dos resultados demonstrou resultados mais elevados nas variáveis R, Sum Y, Mistos e Índice de Intelectualização nas crianças de escola particulares e na variável Lambda nas crianças de escolas públicas.

The objective of this study was to construct normative tables for the Rorschach Comprehensive System for Brazilian children from public and private schools. The sample was selected using the Child Behavior Checklist and the Raven Test. The Rorschach was administered to children from 7 to 10 years old, both genders, from public schools (N=110) and private schools (N=101) in the city of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso State. Normative tables were created from the 113 variables of the Rorschach Comprehensive System, taking into consideration school type and age group. A comparison of the results demonstrated higher results in the R, Sum Y and Blend variables and in the Intellectualization Index among private school children, and higher Lambda scores among public school children.

Estudos recentes sugerem que a doença periodontal é um fator associado para prematuridade e baixo peso ao nascimento. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a condição periodontal de puérperas e determinar sua possível associação com nascimentos prematuros e de baixo peso (NPBP). A amostra incluiu 59 mães atendidas em duas maternidades de Juiz de Fora, MG. Dentre essas, 19 tiveram bebês prematuros e de baixo peso (idade gestacional menor que 37 semanas e peso ao nascimento menor que 2.500 g - grupo I) e 40 tiveram bebês a termo e de peso normal (idade gestacional maior que 37 semanas e peso ao nascimento maior que 2.500 g - grupo II). Os dados das mães foram obtidos através de prontuário médico, entrevista e exame clínico periodontal, realizado até 48 horas após o parto. O Registro Periodontal Simplificado (RPS) foi utilizado para avaliar a condição periodontal. A associação entre doença periodontal e NPBP foi expressa em "odds ratio" (OR). Os resultados demonstraram uma freqüência maior de doença periodontal no grupo I (84,21% - 16/19) em comparação ao grupo II (37,5% - 15/40). Os dados demonstraram ainda uma associação significante entre a presença de doença periodontal e NPBP (OR = 8,9 - IC de 95%: 2,22-35,65 - p = 0,001). Concluiu-se que a doença periodontal materna atuou como fator associado para a prematuridade e o baixo peso ao nascimento nesta amostra.

It has been recently suggested that periodontal disease is an associated factor for prematurity and low birth weight. The aim of this work was to assess the periodontal status of puerperae and determine its possible relationship with preterm low birth weight (PLBW) delivery. The sample included 59 women seen at two maternity hospitals in Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil. Nineteen mothers had premature and low birth weight babies (gestational age below 37 weeks and birth weight below 2,500 g - group I), and 40 had mature, normal weight babies (gestational age over 37 weeks and birth weight over 2,500 g - group II). The mothers' data were obtained from medical files, interview, and periodontal clinical examination carried out up to 48 hours after delivery. The Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR) was used for periodontal assessment. The association between periodontal disease and PLBW was expressed as odds ratio (OR). There was a higher rate of periodontal disease in group I (84.21% - 16/19) as compared with group II (37.5% - 15/40). The data also showed a significant association between periodontal disease and PLBW (OR = 8.9 - 95% CI: 2.22-35.65 - p = 0.001). It was concluded that maternal periodontal disease was an associated factor for prematurity and low birth weight in this sample.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de cárie dentária em dentição decídua e variáveis a ela associadas em pré-escolares, de baixo nível sócio-econômico, assistidos em creches públicas da cidade de Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Quatro instituições públicas foram selecionadas por critérios geográficos (duas na região central e duas na região periférica). A população do estudo compreendeu 338 crianças (181 meninos; 157 meninas) com idade de dois a seis anos. A cárie dentária foi registrada usando o índice ceo-d. Dentre as crianças examinadas, 50,6% estavam livres de cárie. A média do índice ceo-d foi 2,03, que foi maior na creches periféricas (p < 0,01), e uma tendência de diferença entre sexos foi observada (p = 0,06). A análise de regressão logística selecionou as variáveis visita prévia da criança ao dentista (p < 0,001), localização geográfica da creche pública (p < 0,01) e idade (p < 0,01) como preditoras do índice ceo-d. O estudo mostrou a necessidade de um programa de saúde bucal para essa população, incluindo medidas tanto curativas, quanto preventivas, com o objetivo de alcançar as metas da OMS/FDI para o ano 2000 (50% de crianças livres de cárie na faixa etária de cinco a seis anos).

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of dental caries in the primary dentition and associated variables in low socioeconomic preschool children enrolled in public nursery schools in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Four public institutions were selected by geographic criteria (two in the central region and two in the peripheral region). The study population comprised 338 children (181 boys; 157 girls) aged 2-6 years old. Dental caries was recorded using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmf-t) index. Among the examined children, 50.6% were caries-free. The mean dmf-t index was 2.03. It was higher in the peripheral nursery schools (p < 0.01). A trend towards a difference between sexes (p = 0.06) was observed. Logistic regression analysis selected a previous child's visit to dentist (p < 0.001), geographic location of the public nursery school (p < 0.01), and age (p < 0.01) as predictive variables for the dmf-t index. The study showed the need for an oral health program for this population, including both curative and preventive measures in order to achieve the WHO/FDI goals for the year 2000, namely 50% of children free of caries at age 5-6 years.