Dental Caries Experience and Associated Factors Among Brazilian Homeless Persons: A Cross-Sectional Study / Experiencia de Caries Dental y Factores Asociados entre Personas sin Hogar Brasileñas: Un Estudio Transversal

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the dental caries experience and its associated factors in homeless persons. A non-probabilistic sample of 176 participants (mean age 37.8 years) was included in this cross-sectional study. Interviews and clinical examinations were performed. Dental caries experience was recorded based on the decayed, missing and filled teeth-index (DMFT). The dental caries experience was observed among 98.9 % of participants (mean DMFT 11.0 ± 6.95). Individuals in the "Over 44 years" age groups (PR = 1.4; 95 % CI = 1.1-1.6) and "30 to 36 years" (PR = 1.2; 95 % CI = 1.0 -1.4) had significantly higher caries experience. Individuals who do not brush or brush only 1x/day have 40 % and 20 % higher caries experience, respectively. Homeless persons had a high experience of dental caries, with significant tooth loss. Individuals in the advanced age groups, lack of income and non-achievement or low frequency of tooth brushing are factors associated with a greater experience of the disease in these individuals.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la experiencia de caries dental y sus factores asociados en personas sin hogar. En este estudio transversal se incluyó una muestra no probabilística de 176 participantes (edad media 37,8 años). Se realizaron entrevistas y exámenes clínicos. La experiencia de caries dental se registró en fun- ción del índice de dientes cariados, perdidos y obturados (DMFT). Se observó una experiencia positiva de caries dental entre el 98,9 % de los participantes (DMFT promedio 11,0 ± 6,95). Las personas en los grupos de edad "Ma- yores de 44 años" (PR = 1,4; IC del 95 % = 1,1-1,6) y "30 a 36 años" (PR = 1,2; IC del 95 % = 1,0 -1,4) tuvieron una experiencia de caries significativamente mayor. Las perso- nas que no se cepillan, o se cepillan solamente 1x / día tienen una tasa mayor de caries, de 40 % y 20 % más, respectivamente. En las personas en situación de calle se observó una alta tasa de caries dental, con una pérdida dentaria significativa. Los factores asociados a una mayor tasa de la enfermedad, fueron personas de edad avanzada, la falta de ingreso, no lograr el cepillado, o tener una menor frecuencia de cepillado.

Impact of Developmental enamel defects on quality of life in 5-year-old children.

BACKGROUND: Developmental enamel defects (DDE) represent one of the prevalent oral problems in childhood; however, few studies have evaluated its impact on quality of life in the children's own perception. AIM: To evaluate the DDE impact on quality of life of 5-year-old children. METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study assessed 566 children aged 5 years old, in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, according to their self-perceptions. Children answered the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ Version 4.0 and Oral Health Scale. The dmft index, modified DDE index and Foster and Hamilton criteria were used to diagnose dental caries, DDE and malocclusion, respectively. A single examiner performed the clinical examination. Descriptive analyses and Poisson regression with robust variance were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of DDE was 33.7%. For children's self-reports, the presence of DDE had a negative association with oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL; PR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02-1.15). Enamel hypoplasia had a negative impact on the physical function (PR 1.05; 95% CI 1.01-1.10) and oral health (PR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.11) domains. Diffuse opacity had a negative impact on the social aspect (PR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02-1.18). CONCLUSIONS: Enamel defects had a negative impact on OHRQoL according to the self-reports of the children.