Resumo

SILVA, Ricardo Henrique Alves da et al. Dental caries, community periodontal index and oral hygiene in a riverside community. RGO, Rev. gaúch. odontol. (Online) [online]. 2010, vol.58, n.4, pp. 457-462. ISSN 1981-8637.

OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed dental caries, patient hygiene performance index (PHPI) and community periodontal index (CPI) of a riparian population from the northern region of the state of Rondônia, living at the Machado and Preto riverbanks. METHODS: Dental caries and CPI were analyzed as recommended by the World Health Organization, under natural light using wooden spatulas and a ball tip WHO periodontal probe. RESULTS: The DMF index of 4 and 5 year-olds was 4.30 (±3.48) and 19.64% were free from caries. Among 12-year-olds, the DMF index was 2.65 (±3.01) and 30.76% were free from caries. Among 18-year-olds, the DMF index was 5.41 (±5.33) and 19.51% were free from caries. Among 35- to 44-year-olds, the DMF index was 17.74 (±8.61) and 2.98% were free from caries. Among 65- to 74-year-olds, the DMF index was 21.56 (±11.95) and 4.34% were free from caries. The PHP Index showed that oral health education improves oral hygiene since this index decreased substantially in most of the studied communities. The CPI values decreased but calculi and excluded quadrants were still very common. CONCLUSION: The studied population presented a high caries index and chronic periodontal problems. Educational, preventive and curative actions are needed for this population.

Palavras-chave : Dental caries; Education; Epidemiology; Oral hygiene; Public health.