Abstract

GRANVILLE-GARCIA, Ana Flávia et al. Caries, gingivitis and oral hygiene in preschool children. RGO, Rev. gaúch. odontol. (Online) [online]. 2010, vol.58, n.4, pp. 469-473. ISSN 1981-8637.

OBJECTIVE: Estimated the prevalence of dental caries and gingivitis and the relationship between these variables and the oral hygiene habits of preschool children attending public daycare facilities in Caruaru, Pernambuco, Brazil. METHODS: The population of this cross-sectional study consisted of children of both genders, aged 1 to 5 years (n = 820). The decaying/missing/filled (DMF) index was calculated according to the World Health Organization guidelines. The presence of gingival bleeding and oral hygiene practices of the children were also investigated. RESULTS: The prevalence of gingivitis was 10.9% and that of caries, 65.7%. Only caries and age were associated, with the age of 5 years (86.7%) (p <0.05) being the most prevalent. The mean DMF index was 2.09, ranging from 0.55 to 3.95 according to age. No association was found between gingivitis and prior oral hygiene counseling, frequency and starting age (p> 0.05). However, these variables were associated with the presence of caries. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of caries and its association with age and oral hygiene habits in this population calls for the implementation of health policies focused on the reduction of this problem.

Keywords : Dental caries; Gingivitis; Oral hygiene.