Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of homeless persons. A cross-sectional study was conducted, with participants (n = 176) attending a Specialized Reference Center for the Homeless Population in Teresina, Brazil. Dental caries (DMFT index, WHO criteria), periodontal disease (CPI index), and the consequences of untreated caries (PUFA index) were measured by a single calibrated examiner (Kappa ≥0.83). Sociodemographic, oral health, and OHRQoL (OHIP-14) data were obtained through interviews. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and Poisson regression, with a significance level of 5%. Most of the participants were male (86.4%) and from the age group of 30 to 43 years (52.2%). Mean DMFT was 11 (SD ± 6.9) and mean total PUFA score was 1.2 (SD ± 2.2). Most of the participants (88.6%) had dental calculus and 8.5% and 1.7% of the sample had gingival bleeding and periodontal pocket > 3.5mm, respectively. The highest prevalence of negative impact in the OHRQoL was associated with females (1.4 (95%CI 1.1–1.7)), low educational level (2.0 (95%CI 1.3–3.0)), caries (1.6 (95%CI 1.1–2.6)), fistulas (1.9 (95%CI 1.3–3.1)), gingival bleeding (1.7 (95%CI 1.1– 2.7)), dental calculus (1.8 (95% CI 1.3–2.5)), periodontal pockets > 3 mm (1.5 (95%CI 1.1–2.0)), and need for extraction (2.3 (95%CI 1.1–5.0)). In conclusion, the negative impact on the OHRQoL of homeless persons was associated with low educational level, presence of decayed teeth, gingival bleeding, and dental calculus.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the dental caries experience and its associated factors in homeless persons. A non-probabilistic sample of 176 participants (mean age 37.8 years) was included in this cross-sectional study. Interviews and clinical examinations were performed. Dental caries experience was recorded based on the decayed, missing and filled teeth-index (DMFT). The dental caries experience was observed among 98.9 % of participants (mean DMFT 11.0 ± 6.95). Individuals in the “Over 44 years” age groups (PR = 1.4; 95 % CI = 1.1-1.6) and “30 to 36 years” (PR = 1.2; 95 % CI = 1.0 -1.4) had significantly higher caries experience. Individuals who do not brush or brush only 1x/day have 40 % and 20 % higher caries experience, respectively. Homeless persons had a high experience of dental caries, with significant tooth loss. Individuals in the advanced age groups, lack of income and non-achievement or low frequency of tooth brushing are factors associated with a greater experience of the disease in these individuals.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la experiencia de caries dental y sus factores asociados en personas sin hogar. En este estudio transversal se incluyó una muestra no probabilística de 176 participantes (edad media 37,8 años). Se realizaron entrevistas y exámenes clínicos. La experiencia de caries dental se registró en fun- ción del índice de dientes cariados, perdidos y obturados (DMFT). Se observó una experiencia positiva de caries dental entre el 98,9 % de los participantes (DMFT promedio 11,0 ± 6,95). Las personas en los grupos de edad “Ma- yores de 44 años” (PR = 1,4; IC del 95 % = 1,1-1,6) y “30 a 36 años” (PR = 1,2; IC del 95 % = 1,0 -1,4) tuvieron una experiencia de caries significativamente mayor. Las perso- nas que no se cepillan, o se cepillan solamente 1x / día tienen una tasa mayor de caries, de 40 % y 20 % más, respectivamente. En las personas en situación de calle se observó una alta tasa de caries dental, con una pérdida dentaria significativa. Los factores asociados a una mayor tasa de la enfermedad, fueron personas de edad avanzada, la falta de ingreso, no lograr el cepillado, o tener una menor frecuencia de cepillado.