Resumo

PIMENTA, Bianca de Novaes et al. Epidemiological profile of lifeguards, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, 2012. RFO UPF [online]. 2015, vol.20, n.2, pp. 189-193. ISSN 1413-4012.

Oral health conditions are influenced by factors of various sources, among which occupational conditions stand out. Objective: This study aimed to perform an epidemiological oral health survey with employees at Salvamar (agency of the Salvador City Hall, responsible for lifeguard services), who are lifeguards, and therefore, exposed to solar radiation in their daily lives. Subjects and method: It is a cross-sectional, descriptive study, conducted with a convenience sample of lifeguards, who voluntarily underwent oral examination, which included the assessment of dental caries, use of prosthesis, periodontal changes, and oral mucosa injuries. The exams were performed by an undergraduate dentistry student from the Medicine and Public Health School of the state of Bahia, Brazil, throughout the second school period of 2012. Results: Data were descriptively analyzed, and a DMFT index (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) of 9.37 was observed, 22.54% of lifeguards used dental prosthesis and presented some kind of periodontal change. The prevalence of oral mucosa injuries of 21.13% was a piece of data that drew attention to the need for applying preventive actions for this population group regarding oral health. Conclusion: Considering the presence and severity of dental problems found among the lifeguards, and the risks they are daily exposed to, it is important to plan and implement oral health programs in the workplace, aiming for health promotion and risk prevention.

Palavras-chave : Epidemiology.; Oral health.; Lifeguards..