ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the correlation between human development and dental caries in 12-year-old schoolchildren from the twenty-seven Brazilian states and to analyze the spatial distribution of these variables. Material and Methods: This was an ecological study using secondary data from the National Epidemiological Oral Health Survey 2010 and from the United Nations Development Program. Human development was measured by the Human Development Index (HDI) and dental caries by the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth index (DMFT). Dental caries prevalence and experience at the age of 12, and state HDI were entered into Google Sheets® and Google My Maps® for map creation. Data were analyzed by Pearson’s correlation (HDI and DMFT, DMFT individual components, prevalence of dental caries and prevalence of dental pain) (p<0.05). Results: Prevalence of dental caries ranged from 37.3% to 78.2% among the states. Dental caries was more prevalent in Rondônia (78.2%) and less prevalent in Santa Catarina (37.3%). Mean DMFT ranged from 1.06 to 4.81, with the highest value in Rondônia (4.81) and the lowest in Distrito Federal (1.06). HDI ranged from 0.631 (Alagoas) to 0.863 (Distrito Federal). There were negative correlations between HDI and dental caries (r=-0.504), dental caries experience (r=-0.459), decayed (r=-0.441) and missing (r=-0.441) components of the DMFT (p<0.05). Conclusion: Higher human development of the region lower dental caries experience and prevalence in 12-year-old Brazilian schoolchildren.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os fatores predisponentes para o traumatismo dentário (TD) na dentição decídua e a procura por tratamento odontológico após a ocorrência do TD. Um estudo transversal de base populacional randomizado foi realizado com 814 crianças entre 3 e 5 anos de idade, matriculadas em pré-escolas públicas e privadas da cidade de Campina Grande, PB, Brasil. Um questionário foi preenchido pelos pais sobre dados sociodemográficos e histórico de TD da criança. TD foi avaliado através de exames clínicos realizados por três dentistas previamente calibrados (Kappa: 0,85-0,90). Modelos de regressão de Poisson bivariado e multivariado foram realizados para TD e a procura por tratamento odontológico após o TD (α=0.05). A prevalência de TD foi de 34,6%. O tipo mais comum de TD foi a fratura de esmalte (55,0%) e os incisivos centrais superiores foram os dentes mais acometidos (87,5%). Preditores para o TD na dentição decídua foram renda familiar >U$312.50 (RP: 1,355; IC 95%: 1,050-1,724) e overjet >2 mm (RP: 1,539; IC 95%: 1,219-1,942). O fator preditor para a procura de tratamento odontológico após TD foi a idade dos pais >30 anos (RP: 1,753; IC 95%: 1,039-2,960). Renda familiar e overjet foram associados com o TD. Entre as crianças que sofreram TD, a idade dos pais foi um determinante crucial para a procura de tratamento odontológico.

The aim of the present study was to investigate predisposing factors for traumatic dental injury (TDI) in the primary dentition and seeking of dental care after the occurrence of TDI. A randomized population-based cross-sectional study was carried out with 814 children aged 3 to 5 years enrolled at public and private preschools in the city of Campina Grande, PB, Brazil. Parents were asked to fill out a questionnaire on demographic data and the child's history of TDI. TDI was evaluated by clinical examinations performed by three previously calibrated dentists (Kappa: 0.85 to 0.90). Bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression models were constructed for TDI and the parent-reported search for dental care (α=0.05). The prevalence of TDI was 34.6%. The most common type of TDI was enamel fracture (55.0%). The central incisors were the most frequently affected teeth (87.5%). Predictors for TDI in the primary dentition were household income >U$312.50 (PR: 1.355; 95% CI: 1.050-1.724) and overjet >2 mm (PR: 1.539; 95% CI: 1.219-1.942). The predictor for seeking dental care following TDI was parent's age >30 years (PR: 1.753; 95% CI: 1.039-2.960). Household income and overjet were associated with TDI. Among children having suffered TDI, parent's age is a crucial determinant for seeking dental care.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as práticas de higiene bucal, o uso de serviços odontológico e a autopercepção de saúde bucal de escolares da zona rural de Caruaru, PE, Brasil. METODOLOGIA: Através de estudo transversal exploratório usando entrevistas com formulário estruturado dirigidas a escolares na faixa etária de seis a 12 anos (n=150), foram coletados dados demográficos e sócio-econômicos relativos as práticas de higiene bucal, uso de serviços odontológico e autopercepção de saúde bucal, analisados por meio de estatística descritiva e inferencial (Qui-quadrado e Exato de Fisher). RESULTADOS: A maioria dos escolares limpava os dentes (82,0%) com dentifrício (98,0%), escova dentária disponível no mercado (93,2%) e fio dental (26,4%). Todos os escolares (150) tinham escova, a maioria (86,7%) de uso individual, e realizavam três ou mais escovações diárias (56,4%). Uma parcela significativa visitou o dentista (72,7%) devido à necessidade de tratamento (57,8%) e de dor de dente (33,0%). Dentre os que nunca foram ao dentista, o medo (36,6%) foi o principal motivo. A maioria (56,0%) avaliou que os seus dentes estão em bom estado. CONCLUSÃO: A maior parte dos escolares possuía boas práticas de higiene bucal, já fez uso do serviço odontológico para necessidades curativas e relatou boa percepção sobre sua saúde bucal.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the oral hygiene practices, use of dental services and self-perception of oral health of school children from the rural areas of the city of Caruaru, PE, in the Northeast region of Brazil. METHODS: An exploratory cross-sectional study was carried out using interviews with structured questionnaires aimed at students aged between 6 and 12 years (n=150). Demographic and socio-economic data on oral hygiene practices, the use of dental services and self-perception of oral health were collected and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square and Fisher's exact tests). RESULTS: Most of the students cleaned their teeth (82.0%) with toothpaste (98.0%), a toothbrush available at the market (93.2%) and dental floss (26.4%). All students (150) had a toothbrush, the majority (86.7%) for individual use, and performed three or more daily brushings (56.4%). A significant portion had visited the dentist (72.7%) due to the need for treatment (57.8%) and toothache (33.0%). Among those who had never been to the dentist, fear (36.6%) was the main reason. The majority (56.0%) considered their teeth to be in good condition. CONCLUSION: Despite the low socio-economic status of the evaluated population, changes in oral hygiene practices and the demand for dental care were observed.