Predictors of tooth loss in Brazilian older adults: An 8-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors for tooth loss after 8 years among community-dwelling older adults in a southern Brazilian city. METHODS: In 2004, 388 dentate community-dwelling older adults from Carlos Barbosa, southern Brazil, were selected using simple random sampling. In 2012, the follow-up consisted of 199 (51.3%) participants. Data collection comprised an interview with data about socio-demographic, behavioural and access to services and an oral examination. The outcome variable of this study is the ratio between the sum of the teeth lost during the 8-year period of follow-up, and the sum of the teeth present in 2004, per person, modelled through binomial regression analysis. RESULTS: Being older (IOR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00-1.06), living in a rural area (IOR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.17-2.07), earning two or more monthly minimum wages (IOR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.09-1.96), living alone (single, widowed or divorced; IOR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.00-1.85), having more gingival bleeding sites (IOR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.02) and wearing partial removable prosthesis (IOR = 2.82, 95% CI: 2.15-3.71) were risk factors for tooth loss. Approximately 48% of the participants lost one or more teeth over the 8-year follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Socio-demographic, economic and clinical variables were associated with the risk for tooth loss. This might be a result of social determinants of health influencing people's access to oral health care, oral health behaviours and oral health status. Public policy aimed at older adults living in rural areas, living alone and using removable dentures may contribute to reducing the risk of tooth loss.

Oral health literacy and oral health outcomes in an adult population in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the association between critical and communicative oral health literacy (OHL) and oral health outcomes (status, oral health-related quality of life and practices) in adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional study examined a household probability sample of 248 adults, representing 149,635 residents (20-64 years old) in Piracicaba-SP, Brazil. Clinical oral health and socioeconomic and demographic data, as well as data on oral health-related quality of life (OHIP-14) and health practices were collected. The oral examinations were carried out in the participants' homes, using the World Health Organization criteria for oral diseases. The critical and communicative OHL instrument was the primary independent variable, and it was measured using five Likert items that were dichotomized as 'high' ('agree' and 'strongly agree' responses for the 5 items) and 'low' OHL. Binary and multinomial logistic regressions were performed on each outcome (oral health status and practices), controlling for age, sex and socioeconomic status (SES). RESULTS: Approximately 71.5% presented low OHL. When adjusted for age and sex (first model) low OHL was associated with untreated caries (Odds Ratio = 1.92, 95% Confidence Interval = 1.07-3.45), tooth brushing <3 times a day (OR = 2.00, 1.11-3.62) and irregular tooth flossing (OR = 2.17, 1.24-3.80). After SES inclusion in the first model, significant associations were found for low OHL when the outcomes were: presence of biofilm (OR = 1.83, 1.08-3.33), dental care for emergency only (OR = 2.24, 1.24-4.04) and prevalence of oral health impact on quality of life (OR = 2.06, 1.15-3.69). CONCLUSION: Adjusting for age, sex and SES, OHL is related to a risk factor (biofilm) and a consequence of poor oral health (emergency dental visits) and can interfere with the impact of oral diseases on quality of life. As low OHL can be modified, the results support oral health promotion strategies directed at improving critical and communicative oral health literacy in adult populations.

[Prevalence of root caries among adults and the elderly in southeast Brazil]. / Prevalência da cárie radicular na população adulta e idosa da região Sudeste do Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with root caries (RC) among adults and the elderly in the Southeast of Brazil. METHODS: This study used secondary data from the Health Ministry's 2010 National Oral Health Survey. In the Southeast, a household probability sample of 1 586 adults and 1 277 elderly was evaluated in four capitals and 30 municipalities. The RC outcome was evaluated according to World Health Organization criteria for oral health surveys, based on the root caries index (RCI) and root, decayed, filled (RDF) surface index. Participants answered a sociodemographic questionnaire. The chi-square test was used to determine the association between prevalence of RC and gender, income, educational attainment, and place of residence (capitals or noncapital municipality). RESULTS: The mean RDF index in adults was 0.36, and the RCI was 6.1%. In 15.2% of adults, the RDF index was > 0. The mean RDF index was 0.17 in the elderly and 0.37 in dentate individuals. Prevalence of RDF > 0 was 12.4% and 27.2%, respectively, and the RCI was 10% among the elderly. In both groups, untreated RC was the most prevalent. RC in adults was associated with income, educational attainment, and residence location. In the elderly, it was associated only with gender. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of RC indicates that further attention should be paid to this oral condition, especially as RC was untreated in most subjects. We suggest that future studies evaluate new strategies for the care and prevention of RC.

Self-assessed masticatory function and frailty in Brazilian older adults: the FIBRA Study.

OBJETIVE: To investigate the relationship between the masticatory function and the frailty of older people. METHODS: Exploratory cross-sectional study using secondary data from the FIBRA Project on the frailty conditions of older people living in urban areas of six Brazilian municipalities, from 2008 to 2009. The population consisted of older adults aged 65 and over with no cognitive impairment. A single session identification questionnaire and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were applied, followed by collecting sociodemographic data and data on the participants' self-assessment of masticatory function, general health, and oral health. RESULTS: 2,341 older people (164 frail older adults), of whom 63.2% reported not having seen a dentist in the last year, and approximately 26% of them had three or more functional feeding problems. Older participants (OR = 2.88; 95%CI: 2.01-4.13), who are retired (OR = 2.31; 95%CI: 1.18-5.53), those who were depressed (OR = 2.31; 95%CI: 1.58-3.38), and those who self-assessed their general health as worse compared to others of the same age (OR = 3.91; 95%CI: 2.39-6.40) were at higher risk of frailty. Three or more problems related to the functional aspects of mastication were associated with a greater chance of frailty (OR = 2.06; 95%CI: 1.25-3.41). CONCLUSION: This study found an association between masticatory function and a greater chance of frailty among the studied population.

[Organization of demand in oral health and family vulnerability]. / Organização da demanda em saúde bucal e a vulnerabilidade familiar.

The scope of this study was to analyze the relationship of an instrument of family vulnerability with sociodemographic, dental, and spatial distribution in a given territory. The dependent variable was the classification of family vulnerability, proposed by Coelho and Savassi. The independent variables were selected on the basis of the theoretical model proposed by Andersen. Hierarchical multiple logistic regression models were estimated. Kernel density estimation was used for spatial analysis. Subjects who lived with more than 4 people (OR = 3.46; 95% CI), who were dissatisfied with their oral health (OR = 2.38; 95% CI), who were ashamed to smile and talk (OR = 3.03, 95% CI) were more likely to be "at risk" in the family. Spatial analysis enabled the visualization of an area of ​​higher concentration of families "at risk". The relationship of the instrument of vulnerability analyzed with sociodemographic and dental factors, as well as the assistance in the visualization and identification of more vulnerable areas, are useful in the knowledge of the territory for the planning of actions in oral health, and the conclusion drawn is that the tool can be adopted for more equitable access by the oral health teams.

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a relação de um instrumento de vulnerabilidade familiar com fatores sociodemográficos e odontológicos e sua distribuição espacial em determinado território. A variável dependente foi a classificação de vulnerabilidade familiar, proposta por Coelho e Savassi. As variáveis independentes foram selecionadas baseadas no modelo teórico proposto por Andersen. Foram estimados modelos de regressão logística múltipla hierarquizada. O estimador de densidade de Kernel foi utilizado para análise espacial. Indivíduos que residiam com mais de quatro pessoas (OR = 3,46; IC 95%), que estavam insatisfeitos com a saúde bucal (OR = 2,38; IC 95%) e que tinham vergonha ao sorrir e falar (OR = 3,03; IC 95%) apresentavam mais chances de estar "em risco" familiar. A análise espacial possibilitou a visualização de uma área de maior concentração de famílias "em risco". A relação do instrumento de vulnerabilidade analisado com fatores sociodemográficos e odontológicos, além do auxílio na visualização e identificação de áreas mais vulneráveis, auxilia no conhecimento do território para o planejamento das ações em saúde bucal, de modo que concluímos que tal instrumento pode ser adotado para um acesso mais equânime por parte das equipes de saúde bucal.

The role of health literacy as a factor associated with tooth loss.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to analyze the role of health literacy (HL) as a factor associated with tooth loss among users of the Brazilian Health System with chronic non-communicable diseases. METHODS: The cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with adult and elderly users chosen at ten Family Health Clinics in a draw in the town of Piracicaba, São Paulo State, Brazil. A questionnaire was applied with sociodemographic data (sex, age, skin color and education), behavioral data (brushing and flossing), determinants in health (type of dental health services and how often) and clinical data (pain). Mouth conditions were collected by intraoral examination of visible dental biofilm and community Pediodontal Index. The systemic clinical conditions (blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin and blood pressure) were extracted from the medical records. The explanatory variable was HL (low, medium and high), measured with the Health Literacy Scale (HLS-14). RESULTS: The outcome was tooth loss measured by the index of decayed, missing and filled teeth. Logistic regression was performed using a conceptual model for HL (p < 0.05). For the 238 subjects, the mean age was 62.7 years (± 10.55). Tooth loss was associated with HL in regression models adjusted by type of dental service, dental frequency, and dental floss. In the final model, the factors associated with tooth loss are older age (OR = 1,12; 95%CI: 1,07-1,17), a lower education (OR = 3,43; 95%CI: 1,17-10,10), irregular use of dental floss (OR = 4,58; 95%CI: 1.75 in-7,31), irregular use of dental services (n = 2,60; 95% 1,32-5,12), periodontal pocket (> 4 mm) (n = 0,31; 95%CI: 0,01-0,08), having visible dental biofilm (OR = 7,23; 95%CI: 3,19-16,41) and a higher level of blood sugar (glucose) (n = 1,98; 95%CI: 1.00-3,92). CONCLUSIONS: tooth loss was associated with HL when adjusted by health behaviors; when sociodemographic variables and clinical conditions were included, it was less significant. In the final model, behaviors, determinants in health and clinical conditions were risk indicators of tooth loss, showing the multifactorial nature of this phenomenon.

Reducing social inequalities in the oral health of an adult population.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between social inequality indicators and oral health conditions in an adult population. This prospective cohort study assessed a probabilistic sampling of adults (aged 20-64 years) living in Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. Oral examinations were performed in 2011 and 2015, conducted at home, and used the decay-missing-filled (DMFT) index of permanent teeth, the Community Periodontal Index (CPI), and the visible biofilm criterion. A questionnaire was administered to determine demographic and socioeconomic aspects and dental services used, and collect oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) data. Social inequality indicators were evaluated according to social class (high, middle or low) and type of dental service used (public, health insurance or private), and compared with oral health conditions (visible biofilm, DMFT and incidence of tooth loss, periodontal pockets and bleeding, and OHRQoL), evaluated between 2011 and 2015. Analysis using chi-squared or Fisher tests (p < 0.05) and Cochran's Q test was conducted separately for each category analyzed between 2011 and 2015 (p < 0.05). A total of 143 adults who participated in an earlier study were examined after four years of follow-up. Although the occurrence of oral disease did not decrease over the study period (4 years), there was a reduction in inequality among lower social classes in regard to presence of tooth decay and oral health impact on self-perceived quality of life between 2011 and 2015 (p < 0.05). These results suggest that the Brazilian National Oral Health Policy has achieved its principles, especially that of greater equity.

Factors associated with dental caries in adolescents: a cross-sectional study, São Paulo State, Brazil, 2015. / Fatores associados à cárie dentária em adolescentes: um estudo transversal, estado de São Paulo, 2015.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze association between prevalence and severity of dental caries and demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral and oral health status in adolescents. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with secondary data on 5,558 adolescents examined in the São Paulo State Oral Health Survey in 2015. The zero-inflated negative binomial regression model was used, considering sample weights. Prevalence ratios (PR), ratios of mean (RM) and confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. RESULTS: Caries prevalence was 71.7%, and was higher in females (PR=1.09 - 95%CI 1.04;1.15), associated with being behind at school (PR=1.11 - 95%CI 1.03;1.18), dental calculus (PR=1.10 - 95%CI 1.01;1.20) and no access to fluoridated water (PR=1.21 - 95%CI 1.01;1.45). CONCLUSION: Identification of factors associated with dental caries can instruct the programming of health services aimed at controlling the disease.

Factors associated with the impact of oral health conditions on daily activities of adolescents, São Paulo State, 2015. / Fatores associados ao impacto das condições de saúde bucal nas atividades de vida diária de adolescentes, Estado de São Paulo, 2015.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between the impact of oral health on daily life and sociodemographic variables with oral parameters in adolescents living in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with data from 5,409 adolescents who participated in the "State Oral Health Survey of São Paulo - OH", 2015. The impact of oral health on daily life was assessed by the oral impacts on daily performances (OIDP) index, prevalence (presence or absence of impact) and severity of impact (OIDP scores). The negative binomial regression model (zeros-inflated) was used, considering the complex sampling and the sample weights. Prevalence ratio (PR), ratio of means (ROM) and confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: The prevalence of impact was 37.4%. After adjusting for the model, the impact was more prevalent (PR = 1.59; 95%CI 1.22 ‒ 1.81) and more severe (RR = 1.49; 95%CI 1.22 ‒ 1.81) among females. Compared to white-skin people, all remaining groups had a higher prevalence of impact. Among socioeconomic characteristics, family income higher than R$ 2,501 (RR = 0.79; 95%CI 0.64 ‒ 0.98) and household crowding (RR = 1.18; 95%CI 1.00 ‒ 1.39) were associated with the severity of impact. In the oral health conditions, untreated caries (PR = 1.46; 95%CI 1.23 ‒ 1.74) and gingival bleeding (PR = 1.35; 95%CI 1.14 ‒ 1.60) were associated with higher prevalence of impact. CONCLUSION: Females, non-whites, with untreated caries and gingival bleeding were associated with higher impact of oral health on daily life. Family income higher than R$ 2,500 and living in less crowded households were factors associated with less impact.

OBJETIVO: Verificar a associação entre impacto nas atividades de vida diária e variáveis sociodemográficas e parâmetros bucais em adolescentes no Estado de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com dados de 5.409 adolescentes que participaram da "Pesquisa Estadual de Saúde Bucal de São Paulo - SB", de 2015. O impacto nas atividades de vida diária foi avaliado pelo índice de impacto das condições de saúde bucal nas atividades de vida diária (em inglês: oral impacts on daily performances [OIDP]), pela prevalência (presença ou ausência de impacto) e pela severidade do impacto (escores do OIDP). Utilizou-se o modelo de regressão binomial negativa inflado de zeros, considerando os pesos amostrais. Foram calculados as razões de prevalências (RP), as razões de médias (RM) e os intervalos de confiança (IC). RESULTADOS: A prevalência de impacto nas atividades de vida diária foi de 37,4%. Após o ajuste, pôde-se observar que o sexo feminino permaneceu com maior prevalência (RP = 1,59; IC95% 1,36 ‒ 1,81) e severidade do impacto (RM = 1,49; IC95% 1,22 ‒ 1,81). Na comparação com brancos, os demais grupos tiveram maior prevalência de impacto. A renda familiar maior que R$ 2.501 (RM = 0,79; IC95% 0,64 ‒ 0,98) e a aglomeração domiciliar (RM = 1,18; IC95% 1,00 ‒ 1,39) foram associadas com a severidade do impacto. Nas condições de saúde bucal, verificou-se que a cárie não tratada (RP = 1,46; IC95% 1,23 ‒ 1,74) e o sangramento gengival (RP = 1,35; IC95% 1,14 ‒ 1,60) permaneceram associados com maior prevalência de impacto. CONCLUSÃO: Sexo feminino, ter cor não branca, ter cárie não tratada e sangramento gengival foram associados ao maior impacto nas atividades de vida diária. Ter renda maior que R$ 2.500 e residir em domicílios menos aglomerados associaram-se com menor impacto.

Self-rated general and oral health and associated factors in independently-living older individuals.

The aim of this study was to verify the association between sociodemographic, general health, and oral health data with self-rated general health (SRGH) and self-rated oral health (SROH) in independent-living older Brazilians. This cross-sectional study was part of a larger study with older individuals living independently in the city of Campinas, Brazil - the "Rede FIBRA" Study (the Frailty in Brazilian Elderly Study). A random sample of 688 older individuals responded the SRGH and 673, the SROH. SRHG and SROH were both assessed using a single item. The questionnaire included sociodemographic, general, and oral health data. The mean age was 72.28 ± 5.4 years. The adjusted analysis revealed that the probability of rating general health as bad was higher for illiterate participants (PR: 1.77, 95%CI: 1.13-2.77) or with low educational level (PR: 1.76, 95%CI: 1.17-2.65), those with depressive symptoms (PR: 1.45, 95%CI:1.21-1.74), participants that self-reported food limitation due to problems with denture or lack of it (PR: 1.29, 95%CI: 1.05-1.56), and those with xerostomia (PR 1.40, 95%CI: 1.17-1.67). The probability of rating general health as bad was lower for participants that presented 0-2 chronic diseases (PR: 0.64, 95%CI: 0.53-0.78) and were pre-frail (PR: 0.76, 95%CI: 0.61-0.96). With regard to SROH, the probability of rating oral health as bad was higher for participants with natural teeth (PR:1.61, 95%CI: 1.24-2.08), that reported xerostomia (PR: 1.44, 95%CI: 1.13-1.84), and food limitation due to problems with denture or lack of it (PR: 1.43, 95%CI: 1.07-1,91), and lower for participants that reported having enough money to cover daily expenses (PR: 0.78, 95%CI: 0.61-0.99). Oral health data and income seem to be related to self-perceptions of general and oral health.

Oral health and Obesity in Brazilian elders: A longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES: Obesity is an important risk factor for chronic diseases and can also result in greater mortality. The aim of this longitudinal study was to investigate whether poor oral health acts as a risk factor for obesity as indicated by body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). METHODS: We included in this analysis all participants who volunteered in a cohort study entitled 'Carlos Barbosa Cohort Study-CBCS' in the city of Carlos Barbosa, Southern Brazil. The interview questionnaire comprised socio-demographic information, behavioural questions and medical history. Oral examinations and anthropometric assessments were carried out. The outcome was obesity measured by both BMI (≥30 kg/m2 ) and WC (>0.80 for women and >0.94 for men). Variables were collected longitudinally. Those associated with the outcome and epidemiologically relevant to the conceptual framework participated in the analysis and were adjusted for socio-demographic, behavioural, general and oral health conditions. RESULTS: Six hundred and thirty-three independently living elders participated. The baseline mean age was 67.5 ± 6.1 years. Individuals who never visited a dentist (OR = 3.02, 95% CI: 1.25-7.26) as well as participants who needed a dental prosthesis in the lower arch (OR = 4.38, 95% CI: 1.34-14.32) were more likely to be obese, through BMI and WC measures, respectively. Edentulous participants with complete dentures in both arches (OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.06-0.84) and those who perceived their oral health as unsatisfactory (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.19-0.88) had a lower likelihood of being obese, according to BMI and WC measures. CONCLUSIONS: Older persons with poor oral health may be at risk for general and central obesity, a relationship that may have important clinical implications.

Tooth loss in adults: factors associated with the position and number of lost teeth.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the factors associated with tooth loss in adults from the position and number of teeth lost in the dental arches. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, population-based study with adults participating in the epidemiological survey of oral health of São Paulo in 2015. The outcome of the study was tooth loss, assessed by the proposed classification, namely: I) lost up to 12 back teeth; II) lost up to 12 teeth (including front teeth); and III) lost more than 12 teeth. A four-block analysis was conducted, supported by a conceptual theoretical model adapted for tooth loss. For the multinomial logistic regression, "individuals who did not lose teeth due to caries or periodontal disease" was used as reference (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Of 6,051 adults evaluated, 25.3% (n = 1,530) were classified in category I, 32.7% (n = 1,977) in II, 9.4% (n = 568) in III, and 1.9% (n = 117) were edentulous. Lower income and schooling, the perception of need for treatment and the last appointment motivated by routine, pain or extraction were associated with tooth loss, regardless of the classification. The negative evaluation of the dental service was associated with individuals who lost up to 12 teeth, both front and back. The presence of women and periodontal pocket were associated with tooth loss of up to 12 teeth, including front, and more than 12 teeth. Caries were associated with adults who lost up to 12 teeth, including front teeth. CONCLUSION: The proposed classification allowed the identification of differences between the associated factors. Thus, the need to consider such classification in future studies is evident.

[Dental caries and treatment needs in adolescents from the state of São Paulo, 1998 and 2002]. / Cárie dentária e necessidades de tratamento em adolescentes do estado de São Paulo, 1998 e 2002.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate indicators of prevalence and severity of dental caries and treatment needs in adolescents. METHODS: Data were obtained from oral health epidemiological surveys carried out in the state of Sao Paulo with adolescents from 12 to 18 years old. Dental caries experience was assessed using DMFT Index and the need for treatment was assessed using World Health Organization criteria. Significant caries index was used to define dental caries experience of one third of the group that presented greater experience of the disease. For 12-year-old group, examinations occurred in public and private schools, in 1998 (N=9,327) and 2002 (N=5,782), while 18-year-old group was examined in their households (N=5,195 in 1998 and N=257 in 2002). RESULTS: At 12 years old, DMFT index was 3.72 in 1998 and 2.52 in 2002, whereas at 18 years old, it was 8.64 and 7.13, respectively. Significant caries index at 12 was 7.40 (1998) and 5.62 (2002), at 18 it was 15.05 and 12.19, respectively. There was an increase in the need for surface restorative care at 12 year old (p<0.0001) and of sealants at 18 year old (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: There was a decrease in dental caries among adolescents and most dental treatment needs were little complex.

Percepção de adultos e idosos sobre os seus comportamentos e sua condição de saúde bucal segundo o seu nível de literacia em saúde / Perception of adults and elderly on your behaviors and your oral health condition according their level of health literacy

Resumo Introdução O nível da literacia em saúde pode ser um fator que influencia os comportamentos e a saúde dos indivíduos. Objetivo Analisar a percepção de adultos e idosos sobre os seus comportamentos e sua condição de saúde bucal segundo o seu nível de literacia em saúde (LS). Método O presente estudo qualitativo foi realizado com adultos e idosos que que participaram da 'Coorte de Saúde Bucal de Adultos de Piracicaba', sendo classificados conforme os três perfis de perda dentária seguintes: 1) nunca ter perdido dentes; 2) incidência de perda dentária ≥ 4 dentes; 3) edêntulo total e com nível de literacia em saúde alta e baixa de acordo com a variável LS dicotomizada a partir da mediana. Para a coleta dos dados, foi feita uma nova entrevista domiciliar gravada com uso de roteiro-guia e após a transcrição foi realizada a análise de conteúdo. Resultados Independente do nível de LS, os indivíduos identificaram fatores de risco e proteção determinantes para o processo saúde-doença bucal. No entanto, os entrevistados com baixa LS apresentaram uma maior propensão aos comportamentos de risco. Os fatores individuais foram preponderantes para o entendimento de sua condição bucal, seja pelo sentimento de descuido ou de responsabilidade pela falta de acesso aos serviços odontológicos, seja pelo aspecto socioeconômico ou geográfico. Conclusão Os indivíduos com alta LS apresentaram uma capacidade argumentativa e um entendimento maiores sobre os comportamentos saudáveis, como higiene bucal e uso regular do serviço odontológico, independente do tipo de serviço utilizado.

Abstract Background The level of health literacy can be a factor that influences the behaviors and health of individuals. Objective To analyze the perception of adults and the elderly on their behaviors and their oral health conditions according to their level of health literacy (HL). Method The qualitative study was carried out with adults and the elderly who participated in the "Piracicaba Adult Oral Health Cohort" and had been classified into three tooth loss profiles: 1) never having lost teeth; 2) incidence of tooth loss ≥ 4 teeth; 3) total toothlessness and the level of health literacy dichotomized in the median at high and low HL. There was a new home interview recorded using a script, and after transcription, content analysis was performed. Results The individuals, regardless of the HL level, identified risk and protective factors that were decisive in the oral health-disease process. However, individuals with low HL were more adept at risky behavior. The individual factors were preponderant for the understanding of his oral condition, either by the feeling of carelessness or by the feeling of responsibility for the lack of access to dental services, either by the socioeconomic or geographical aspect. Conclusion Individuals with high HL showed greater argumentative capacity and understanding of healthy behaviors, such as oral hygiene and regular use of dental services, regardless of the type of service used.

[Dental caries activity in primary dentition, Indaiatuba, São Paulo, Brazil, 2004]. / Atividade de cárie na dentição decídua, Indaiatuba, São Paulo, Brasil, 2004.

This study aimed to verify caries activity and analyze caries experience, treatment needs, and enamel defects in 5-year-old preschool children in Indaiatuba, São Paulo State, Brazil. 624 children were selected by systematic random sampling in 2004. WHO criteria were used to measure caries experience and treatment needs. Nyvad et al. diagnostic criteria were used to analyze caries activity. Mann-Whitney and chi-square tests were used to analyze the results, with 5% significance. 40.5% of schoolchildren displayed caries activity. The dfmt was 1.62 (95%CI: 1.35-1.89). Among children with dfmt > 0, the index was 3.81 (95%CI: 3.36-4.26), and 91.4% of these children presented caries activity. Care Index was 12.3%. These results suggest that treatment measures and health promotion should continue to be prioritized, since the control measures and caries interruption during the initial stages are well known. Dental care should especially target schoolchildren with more significant caries experience.

[Relationship between fluoride levels in the public water supply and dental fluorosis]. / Relação entre níveis de fluoreto na água de abastecimento público e fluorose dental.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of dental fluorosis among schoolchildren subjected to different fluoride concentrations in the public water supply of their cities. METHODS: The sample comprised 386 seven-year-old schoolchildren living in two municipalities in the State of São Paulo that practiced external control over the fluoridation of the water from 1998 to 2002: one with homogenous fluoride concentration and the other with oscillating concentration. Dental fluorosis was determined by dry examination of the upper permanent incisors using Dean's index. Scores classified as questionable were considered to represent fluorosis. Sociodemographic variables and questions regarding oral health were assessed using a structured questionnaire sent to the children's parents or the adults responsible for these children. Correlates of fluorosis were assessed using multivariate logistic regression (p<0.05). RESULTS: Both municipalities presented a mild degree of fluorosis. The prevalence of fluorosis in the municipality with oscillating fluoride content in the water was 31.4%, and it was 79.9% in the municipality with homogenous fluoride content. The prevalence of fluorosis was associated with the municipality with homogeneous fluoride levels in the water (OR=8.33, 95% CI: 5.15;13.45) and with not owning a car (OR=2.10, 95% CI: 1.27;3.49). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of dental fluorosis was higher in the city with better control of fluoride levels in the water supply, however, this higher prevalence was not related with children's satisfaction with the appearance of their teeth.

Relationship between risk classifications used to organize the demand for oral health in a small city of São Paulo, Brazil. / Relação entre classificações de risco utilizadas para organização da demanda em saúde bucal em município de pequeno porte de São Paulo, Brasil.

Oral health teams can work with both information of the people related to the family context as individual epidemiological through risk ratings, considering equity and service organization. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the association between tools that classify individual and family risk. The study group consisted of students from the age group of 5-6 years and 11-12 years who were classified regarding risk of caries and whether their parents had periodontal disease, in addition to the family risk. There was an association between the risk rating for decay in children (n = 128) and family risk classification with Coef C = 0.338 and p = 0.01, indicating that the higher the family's risk, the higher the risk of caries. Similarly, the association between the risk classification for periodontal disease in parents and family risk classification with Coef C = 0.5503 and p = 0.03 indicated that the higher the family risk, the higher the risk of periodontal disease. It can be concluded that the use of family risk rating tool is indicated as a possibility of ordering actions of the dental service, organizing their demand with greater equity, in this access door.

Oral health condition and reasons for tooth extraction among an adult population (20-64 years old). / Condição de saúde bucal e motivos para extração dentária entre uma população de adultos (20-64 anos).

The study characterized the oral health condition and main self-reported reasons for tooth extraction in an adult population. The cross-sectional study examined 248 adults aged 20-64 years, representative of the population of Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. The oral examination conducted in households used the DMFT and CPI indexes, use and necessity of prosthodontics according to the WHO criteria and the presence of visible biofilm. Demographic and socioeconomic data were collected along with reasons for tooth extraction through a questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was stratified by age in groups: 20-44 and 45-64 years old. The average DMFT was 20.37 (EP = 0.50), P = 3.34 (EP = 0.33) for young adults and P = 13.41 (EP = 1.45) for the older adults. Gingival pockets (CPI ≥ 3) were found on 20.5% of young adults and 53.0% of the older ones. While 38.8% used upper prosthesis, 46.7% needed lower prosthesis. Pain was the most prevalent self-reported reason for tooth extraction (37.5%), being this choice primarily because of lack of another treatment option (52%) and done in the private sector (47.2%). We concluded that young adults (20-44 years old) showed less missing teeth, periodontal diseases, and need for prosthetic use. Pain and lack of options of other treatments were the main self-reported reasons for performing tooth extractions.

Health literacy dimensions among public health service users with chronic diseases in Piracicaba, Brazil, 2019

Aim: This study analyzes factors associated with dimensions of health literacy (HL) functional, communicative and critical among public health service users with chronic non-communicable diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical research was carried out in Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil, with adults and older adults attending Family Health Units (FHU). Data were collected by oral exam (CPOD and CPI) and a questionnaire on systemic conditions, sociodemographic factors, health behaviors and HLS (HLS-14). The outcomes consisted of functional, communicative, and critical HL dimensions dichotomized by median (high and low), which were analyzed by chi-square test (p<0.05) to find associations with the variables studied. Results: The study sample comprised 238 FHU users with 62.7 (± 10.55) mean age, of which 47.5% (n=113) showed high functional HL, 50.0% (n=119) high communicative HL, and 46.2% (n=110) high critical HL. High functional HL was associated with men (p<0.05). Functional and communicative HL were associated with having higher education (p<0.001 and p=0.018, respectively). High communicative and critical HL were associated with regular use of dental and medical services (p<0.05). Individuals with low functional HL were more likely to present poor tooth brushing (p=0.020). High HL (in all three dimensions) was associated with regular flossing and having more teeth (p<0.05). Conclusion: Functional, communicative and critical HL were associated with health behaviors and clinical outcomes, whereas the functional dimension was also associated with sociodemographic factors. HL dimensions allowed to differentiate health-related factors

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PREVALENCE AND INTENSITY OF DENTAL PAIN IN CHILDREN IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF THE CAMPINAS REGION, SÃO PAULO. / FATORES ASSOCIADOS À PREVALÊNCIA E INTENSIDADE DE ODONTALGIA EM CRIANÇAS DE MUNICÍPIOS DA REGIÃO DE CAMPINAS, SÃO PAULO.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and intensity of dental pain in children according to size of municipality, associated factors and absenteeism. METHODS: The sample consisted of children aged 12 years old from public and private schools drawn from eight cities in the region of Campinas (SP). A questionnaire was applied to obtain dental pain, demographic, socioeconomic data, and a clinical examination was carried out to evaluate the experience of having a cavity. The outcome for the logistic regression analysis was having pain and the outcome for the negative log-binomial regression was the intensity of pain. The significance level was 5%. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 1,233 children, and 16.7% reported pain in the last six months. Dental pain was the cause of 46.4% of school absenteeism during this period. The prevalence of pain was lower among households with high income (p=0.023) and higher among nonwhites (p=0.027). Pain intensity was lower in medium-sized cities (p=0.02) and small cities (p=0.004), and higher in children whose parents had a lower educational level (p=0.003), children who sought out a dentist for the pain (p=0.04) and who had untreated cavities (p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence and intensity of dental pain in children aged under 12 are related to socioeconomic aspects of the family, such as low-income and parents with a low level of education, which impact daily activities as seen through school absenteeism. Pain intensity was lower in medium and small cities. Oral health promotion strategies in this age group should be encouraged to avoid dental pain.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência e a intensidade de odontalgia em crianças segundo porte populacional do município, fatores associados e absenteísmo. MÉTODOS: A amostra constituiu-se de crianças de 12 anos provenientes de escolas públicas e privadas, sorteadas em oito cidades da região de Campinas (SP). Foi aplicado um questionário com dados de odontalgia, demográficos, socioeconômicos bem como foi realizado exame clínico para avaliar a experiência de cárie. Ter dor foi o desfecho para análise de regressão logística e a intensidade da dor para a regressão log-binomial negativa. Adotou-se nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: A amostra foi constituída de 1.233 crianças, sendo que 16,7% relataram dor nos últimos seis meses. A odontalgia foi causa de 46,4% do absenteísmo escolar nesse período. A prevalência de dor foi menor entre os de alta renda familiar (p=0,023) e maior entre não brancos (p=0,027). A intensidade da dor foi menor nos municípios de médio (p=0,02) e pequeno porte (p=0,004) e maior nas crianças cujos pais tinham menor nível de escolaridade (p=0,003), que procuraram o dentista por dor (p=0,04) e que apresentavam cárie não tratada (p=0,04). CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência e a intensidade da dor de dente em crianças de 12 anos estão relacionadas com aspectos socioeconômicos da família, como baixa renda e menor escolaridade dos pais, e causam impacto na atividade diária por meio do absenteísmo escolar. A intensidade foi menor em municípios de médio e pequeno porte. Estratégias de promoção de saúde bucal nessa faixa etária devem ser estimuladas para evitar a odontalgia.