Resumo

LOPES, Lenita Marangoni; VAZQUEZ, Fabiana Lima; PEREIRA, Antônio Carlos  e  ROMAO, Dayse Andrade. Indicators and risk factors of dental caries in children in Brazil - a literature review. RFO UPF [online]. 2014, vol.19, n.2, pp. 245-251. ISSN 1413-4012.

Currently, the prevalence of dental caries is located in a portion of the population, characterizing the polarization. The identification of these risk groups allows preventive measures, both community and individual, should be directed to these individuals, resulting in more efficient use of resources. Objective: identify factors and predictors of caries risk studied in Brazil in a review of the literature. Materials and method: a search was made in the PUBMED using the terms "dental caries AND risk indicators AND Brazil", from witch gets studies published from 2000 to 2012. A total of 14 articles, longitudinal and transversal, were included in this review and the risk factors and predictors investigated, either in deciduous either in permanent dentition, were divided into biological, behavioral and socioeconomic factors. Results: It was observed that the decay is associated with different risk factors and predictors and the most consolidated are: past experience of caries, enamel defects, dental biofilm, diet, mother's education and income. Final considerations: The factors and predictors of caries risk studied were diverses, and the identification of these factors in risk groups is of fundamental importance for the development of targeted strategies in order to reduce the incidence and prevalence of caries.

Palavras-chave : Dental caries.; Epidemiology.; Prevalence.; Incidence.; Risk factors.