Factors associated with remaining teeth of older adults in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, 2002.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to verify the association between the number of teeth present with socio-demographic and economic variables and with the access to dental services and self-perception of oral health among the elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample was composed of individuals from 65 to 74 years of age, which was representative of the state of São Paulo (n = 781). In this study, the analysis of data considered dentate elderly only, who were divided into two groups: those with one to 19 teeth and those with 20 teeth or more. The chi-squared test was used in the bivariate analysis and the logistic regression was also performed (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Among the 313 dentate elderly, 235 (75.1%) presented one to 19 teeth. The average number of teeth was 9.5 for the elderly with fewer teeth and 25 for those with more teeth. In the bivariate analysis, all variables related to the access to dental services were associated and the chances of having less teeth was among elderly who did not visit the dentist for a long time and among those who sought public dental services and did not receive information on how to avoid oral problems. In addition, the elderly who classified their speech as not good were those who presented with fewer teeth. CONCLUSION: Most subjects presented one to 19 teeth and this fact was directly associated, among others factors, to the unsatisfactory perception that they reported in relation to their speech and to the too long period without visiting the dentist.

[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.

[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.

[Dental root surface caries prevalence among adults and senior citizens in southeast São Paulo State, Brazil]. / Prevalência de cárie radicular em adultos e idosos na região sudeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil.

In recent decades there has been an increase in the occurrence of dental root surface caries, especially among adults and senior citizens. This study aimed to identify root surface caries prevalence in adults and seniors from southeast São Paulo State, Brazil. An epidemiological survey was carried out among 1,475 dentate adults, ages 35 to 44 and 65 to 74, respectively, according to WHO criteria. Root surface caries prevalence was 15.6% and 31.8%, for the 35-44 and 65-74-year groups, respectively. The average rate for decayed and/or filled roots was 0.36 for the middle-aged adult group and higher in males (p < 0.01), as compared to 0.82 for seniors, with no difference by gender. The average rate of decayed roots was 0.18 and 0.53 for middle-aged adults and seniors, respectively; in both groups the levels were higher among men (p < 0.01). Further studies on oral health, mainly on root surface conditions, are essential in both middle-aged adults and senior citizens.

[Oral health among preschool children in Brazil, 1999]. / Saúde bucal dos pré-escolares, Piracicaba, Brasil, 1999.

OBJECTIVE: To assess dental decay, gum diseases and fluorosis prevalence and evaluate treatment needs of public preschool children. METHODS: A cross-sectional epidemiological survey on oral health was conducted in 2,805 public preschool children aged 5 and 6 years in Piracicaba, Brazil. Children were examined by a team of ten trained dentists. It was applied a consensus technique and intra and inter agreement among examiners was assessed using the percentage of agreement. RESULTS: Of the total, 44.3% children were free of dental decay at the age of 5 and 38.5% at the age of 6. The deciduous decay teeth index (dmf-t) was 2.64 at the age of 5 and 3.07 at the age of 6, and 31.9% and 37.9%, respectively, presented dmf-t greater than 3. The largest percent of treatment need (45.3%) was surface restoration. Regarding gum health, 68.6% and 72.6% of children aged 5 and 6 years presented gum bleeding. The prevalence of fluorosis was 2.6% at the age of 5 and 6.1% at the age of 6. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to develop appropriate actions and strategies for higher risk groups.

Risk indicators for tooth loss in adult workers.

Tooth loss continues to be a prevalent condition in Brazilian adults and elderly individuals. The aim of this cross-sectional study, conducted among workers in a wholesale grocery chain in the State of São Paulo, was to identify risk indicators for tooth loss in adults. The presence of caries and periodontal status were examined in 387 adults aged 20-64 years, according to World Health Organization criteria. Two outcomes were analyzed: loss of one or more teeth, and loss of four or more teeth. Independent variables analyzed were demographic and socioeconomic factors, clinical conditions, use of dental services, and self-perceived oral health. Poisson regression models were used for multivariate statistical analysis. Participants were missing a mean of 5.38 teeth, and 76.9% (n = 297) had lost at least one tooth; the most frequently lost teeth were permanent molars. Older age and the presence of visible dental biofilm were associated significantly with the two tooth loss outcomes (p < 0.05). Individuals who had visited the dentist 3 or more years previously showed a lower prevalence of tooth loss (prevalence ratio = 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.91). Those with lower household incomes were significantly more likely to have lost four or more teeth (prevalence ratio = 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.70). Study results indicated that age and dental biofilm were risk indicators for tooth loss, independently of socioeconomic factors. These risk indicators should be considered when planning oral health programs for adults.

[Inequalities in distribution of dental caries in teenagers of Indaiatuba, São Paulo State, 2004]. / Desigualdades na distribuição da cárie dentária em adolescentes de Indaiatuba (SP), 2004.

The objectives of this work was to know the dental caries prevalence and treatment need, besides the distribution of the dental caries in a population of 12 year-old teenagers with high incidence of dental caries. 309 adolescents of public schools of Indaiatuba, São Paulo State, in 2004, were examined. They were selected by process systematic random and the exams followed the World Health Organization criteria. The percentile of school caries free was of 38.8%. Among the adolescents examined, 36.6% (n=113) presented dental caries. DMFT was of 2.50 (IC95%=2.07-2.93). The decayed component was the highest (61.0%). The coefficient of Gini was 0.602 and SiC value was of 5.97 (IC95%=5.32-6.62); in this group especially, 74.7% (n=74) presented dental caries activity in the moment of the exam. Thus, it can be concluded that the adolescents of this city presented low dental caries experience; however, their needs were not assisted, once most of DMFT was formed of the decayed component at 12 years old. In the group SiC, it was verified that this came quite high, being recommended actions addressed to this specific group of adolescents.

Dental caries in an elderly population in Brazil.

This study evaluated dental caries according to the presence of natural teeth and sociodemographic conditions of an elderly population in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Examinations were performed according to the World Health Organization's guidelines. The sample of 1,192 elderly individuals aged 65 to 74 years was stratified according to the presence of teeth and the following variables: gender, race, age, city size and Human Development Index (HDI). The Mann Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests were applied at a confidence level of 95% for analysis of results. In the total sample, 68.9% (n=822) were edentulous; the mean of present teeth was 3.5 and the DMFT was 30.2, being 28.5 of missing teeth. Among dentate individuals (n=370), the mean of present teeth was 11.3, the DMFT was 26.2 and the missing component accounted for 20.7 teeth. The differences observed in the evaluated conditions should be highlighted: the mean number of present teeth was higher among younger individuals (from 65 to 69 years) [12.1] and among those living in cities with high HDI [12.9]; the DMFT was lower among men [24.9] and non-Caucasians [25.1]. Based on these findings, it may be concluded that specific dental programs should be established, with emphasis on oral health promotion and dental caries control, as well as public health policies that may enhance the access to the services provided.

[Factors associated with maintenance of teeth in adults in the State of São Paulo, Brazil]. / Fatores associados à presença de dentes em adultos de São Paulo, Brasil.

This cross-sectional study investigated the association between the presence of 20 or more teeth and sociodemographic and economic variables, use of dental care, and self-perceived oral health in adults. The sample consisted of 1,612 individuals aged 35 to 44 years, representative of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. In addition to the dental examination, subjects answered a questionnaire. Analysis in this study was limited to dentate individuals, divided into two groups (1 to 19 versus 20 or more teeth). The chi-square test and logistic regression were used (p < 0.05). Most individuals (72.1%) had more than 20 teeth. Less schooling was heavily associated with tooth loss, as were female gender, older age, rural residence, 5 or more people in the same household, low income, seeking treatment in the public health system, and seeking care due to toothache.

Dental caries and tooth loss in adults in a Brazilian southeastern state.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze dental caries experience of adults living in the southeastern state of São Paulo, Brazil, according to some socio-demographic conditions of this population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 1,159 school teachers and workers (35 to 44 years old) from 29 cities of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. RESULTS: 92.3% were dentate and the DMFT index (number of decayed, missing and filled teeth) was 21.0 and the mean number of decayed teeth was 1.1, with no significant difference among adults from regions with and without fluoridation. Male subjects presented the highest mean values of 'D' (decayed teeth) and 'M' (missing teeth) components. The percentage of caries-free subjects was higher among white subjects, as well as the mean number of teeth present in the mouth. The mean values of the 'F' component (filled teeth) [9.81] and present teeth [19.3] were higher for adults from fluoridated water regions. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the worse condition observed was the early tooth loss in all groups. In addition, people with worse socio-demographic conditions had worse oral health conditions. It is expected that oral health programs targeted to this population could be established with the goal of improving the oral health conditions of this population and hence the maintenance of the teeth for a longer period in function.

Root caries in areas with and without fluoridated water at the Southeast region of São Paulo State, Brazil.

This study aimed to investigate root caries prevalence in areas with and without water fluoridation at the Southeast region of São Paulo State, in the adult population, employees of public and private schools, and elderly population. Epidemiological surveys were conducted according to the World Health Organization guidelines (1997), including 1,475 dentate individuals aged 35 to 44 years and 65 to 74 years, living in cities representing the southeast of São Paulo State, with (n=872) or without (n=603) fluoridated water supply. Statistical analysis was performed by Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests at a significance level of 5%. The prevalence of root caries was 15.6% for the 35-44-year-old age group and 31.8% for the 65-74-year-old age group . There were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) in the occurrence of root caries according to water fluoridation, although individuals living at non-fluoridated areas presented higher percentage of missing teeth; also, there was higher mean number of intact roots at fluoridated areas (p<0.05). Most individuals with gingival recession, both adults and elderly, did not have root caries experience. In this study, root caries prevalence was lower in areas with fluoridated water. Due to the reduced prevalence of edentulism and increased number of people keeping their natural teeth for a longer period, a future increase in root caries is expected, highlighting the importance of studies related to water fluoridation and its relationship with the oral health of adults and elderly, especially referring to tooth root.

Workers oral health: a cross-sectional study

Adults and elderly usually present an expressive tooth loss in household epidemiologic studies. Few studies were found to report oral health conditions in economically active adults. AIM: To describe the oral health status of adult workers in an extended range age (20-64 years old) of a supermarket chain. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in a company in the state of São Paulo. A total of 386 workers aged 20 to 64 years old were examined following the guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization (1997) with respect to caries, treatment needs for caries, and need and use of dental prostheses. Age was stratified into groups for analysis. A descriptive analysis was performed and tooth loss rate was calculated. Kruskal Walis and Tukey's tests were used for the evaluation of differences in DMTF and chi-square test was used for treatment needs. RESULTS:The mean DMFT was 14.6 (± 8.3), and differences were found among the 3 groups, mainly due to missing teeth. DMFT was 10.8 (±6.95) in the 20-34year-old group, 19.6 (±6.13) in the 35-44-year-old group and 22.1(±7.32) in the 45-64-yearold group. Significant differences in tooth loss rate were observed between the age groups (tooth loss rate ranged from 18% to 81%). Among the adults, 53.5% had treatment needs for caries. CONCLUSIONS: The younger adult workers in this study showed better oral conditions and an increase in tooth loss was observed in the older individuals. Considering common risk approach, dentistry should work together with health promotion for the studied population of workers in order to meet the oral treatment needs and prevent new tooth losses.

Oral health of elderly with different frailty levels from the city of Campinas, São Paulo / Saúde oral em idosos com diferentes estágios de fragilidade na cidade de Campinas, São Paulo

Objective: Oral changes in the elderly affect their quality of life, as it hinders eating, sociability and emotional and psychological functions. This study evaluated the oral health of elderly with different levels of frailty. Methods: The study included a community dwelling sample seen at the Geriatric Out patient Clinic of the Universidade Estadual de Campinas School of Medical Sciences. The oral cavity was examined and the frailty phenotype determined. The sample was then divided into the pre-frail and frail groups. The Mann-Whitney and Chi-Square test for tren were used for comparing the results. Results: The results are expressed as mean a standard deviation. The sample consisted of 67 elderly aged 77 5+- 8,0, of which 61,2% (n=41) were edentulous. Theu had 4,8 +- 7,5 teeth, a decayed missing and filled teeth index 0f 28,8 + - 5,1 mainly due to the missing component (94,4%) and a decayed and filled root index of 0,45 +- 1,21. The lower anterior sextant had the worst Community Periodontal index. Most participants need a complete denture and 82,4% of those who already had complete dentures needed to have them replaced. Thirty-four 950,7%) elderly were pre-frail and 33 (49,3%)were frail. the pre-frail group had better oral health (p,0,05), but not periodontal health. Conclusion: The sample had poor oral health, clearly worse in the frail group

Objetivo:Alterações orais em idosos afetam a qualidade de vida e interferem na alimentação, na sociabilidade e nas funções emocionais e psicológicas. Este estudo avaliou as condições de saúde bucal em uma população de idosos com diferentes graus de fragilidade. Métodos: Trabalhou-se com amostra não institucionalizada atendida em ambulatório da Clínica de Geriatria da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Foram realizados exame das condições bucais e avaliação para verificar o fenótipo da fragilidade, a partir do qual os idosos foram divididos em dois grupos: pré-frágeis e frágeis. Na análise dos dados, foram utilizados o teste Mann Whitney e o Qui-quadrado de tendência para comparação dos resultados. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 67 idosos, com média de idade de 77,5 anos (±8,0). Eram edêntulos 61,2% (n=41); a média de dentes presentes foi de 4,8 (±7,5), e o índice de dentes cariados, perdidos ou obturados, de 28,8 (±5,1), com a maior parte do índice composta pelo componente perdido (94,4%); o índice de média de raízes cariadas e/ou restauradas foi de 0,45 (±1,21). O índice periodontal comunitário foi pior nos extante que correspondeu aos dentes anteriores inferiores. A maioria das necessidades protéticas era referente às próteses totais. Dos indivíduos que utilizavam prótese, 82,4% necessitavam substituí-la. Quanto à classificação de fragilidade, 50,7% (n=34) foram considerados pré-frágeis e 49,3% (n=33), frágeis. Quando as variáveis odontológicas foram comparadas com a condição de fragilidade na população, todas as condições orais avaliadas foram melhores nos indivíduos pré-frágeis (p<0,05), com exceção das condições peridontais. Conclusão: Concluiu-se que a saúde bucal dos todos os idosos avaliados era precária e que nos idosos frágeis uma pior condição bucal era claramente observada.

Risk indicators for tooth loss in adult workers

Tooth loss continues to be a prevalent condition in Brazilian adults and elderly individuals. The aim of this cross-sectional study, conducted among workers in a wholesale grocery chain in the State of São Paulo, was to identify risk indicators for tooth loss in adults. The presence of caries and periodontal status were examined in 387 adults aged 20-64 years, according to World Health Organization criteria. Two outcomes were analyzed: loss of one or more teeth, and loss of four or more teeth. Independent variables analyzed were demographic and socioeconomic factors, clinical conditions, use of dental services, and self-perceived oral health. Poisson regression models were used for multivariate statistical analysis. Participants were missing a mean of 5.38 teeth, and 76.9% (n = 297) had lost at least one tooth; the most frequently lost teeth were permanent molars. Older age and the presence of visible dental biofilm were associated significantly with the two tooth loss outcomes (p < 0.05). Individuals who had visited the dentist 3 or more years previously showed a lower prevalence of tooth loss (prevalence ratio = 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.91). Those with lower household incomes were significantly more likely to have lost four or more teeth (prevalence ratio = 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.70). Study results indicated that age and dental biofilm were risk indicators for tooth loss, independently of socioeconomic factors. These risk indicators should be considered when planning oral health programs for adults.

Treatment needs and self-perception of oral health among adolescents / Necessidades de tratamento odontológico e autopercepção da saúde bucal em adolescentes

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of self-perception in oral health and dental treatment needs. Methods: This was explored through a cross-sectional study in adolescents between 15 to 19 years old in the State of São Paulo, who lived in cities that were randomly selected for the SB Brazil 2000 study. The 1.824 adolescents were examined, underwent a clinical exam and participated in an interview. The following variables were analyzed: need for restorations in maxillary anterior teeth, endodontic treatment, and tooth extraction. These were used in bivariate analysis by the Chi-square test (p <0.05), and logistic regression analysis to compare oral clinical, self perception and social conditions. Results: The results as regards oral health self perception, showed that 68% of the adolescents affirmed the need for dental treatment; 64% classified their oral health as "good". Moreover, 32.5% of these adolescents reported the presence of dental or gingival pain in the last 6 months, however, only about 20% expressed the need for dental treatment. Adolescents who needed anterior tooth restoration had worse oral health self-perception. Conclusion: It was concluded that the need for dental treatment influenced self-perception of oral health, especially with regard to painful symptoms and esthetic appearance of the teeth and gums.

Objetivo: Verificar a relação da autopercepção da saúde bucal com necessidades de tratamento odontológico. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal em 1.824 adolescentes com idade entre 15 a 19 anos do estado de São Paulo, que residiam em cidades sorteadas no SB Brasil 2000. Além do exame, os pesquisados responderam a uma entrevista. As variáveis de desfecho analisadas foram: necessidades de restaurações em dentes anteriores superiores, necessidades de tratamento endodôntico e necessidade de exodontia em qualquer dente. Para verificar a associação entre cada variável dependente e as demais variáveis foi realizada a análise bivariada, utilizando o teste Qui-quadrado, além da análise de regressão logística. Resultados: Os resultados deste estudo mostraram que com relação à autopercepção da saúde bucal, 68% dos adolescentes afirmaram necessitar de tratamento odontológico e em 64% dos casos classificaram a saúde bucal como "boa". Porém, a presença da dor de origem dental ou gengival nos últimos 6 meses foi relatada por 32,5% dos adolescentes, ultrapassando a porcentagem atribuída pelos mesmos à necessidade de tratamento odontológico (cerca de 20%). Adolescentes que tinham necessidade de restauração anterior apresentaram uma pior autopercepção da sua saúde bucal. Conclusão: Concluiu-se que os adolescentes que tem necessidades de tratamento odontológicas a percebem principalmente em relação a sintomatologia dolorosa e aparência dos dentes e gengivas. É importante conhecer a percepção do adolescente em relação à necessidade de tratamento odontológico normativa para planejamentos de atenção em saúde bucal.

Desigualdades na distribuição da cárie dentária em adolescentes de Indaiatuba (SP), 2004 / Inequalities in distribution of dental caries in teenagers of Indaiatuba, São Paulo State, 2004

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram conhecer a prevalência da cárie dentária e a necessidade de tratamento odontológico, além da distribuição da cárie dentária na população que apresenta índices de cárie mais elevados em escolares de doze anos. Foram examinados 309 adolescentes, de escolas públicas de Indaiatuba (SP), em 2004, selecionados mediante processo amostral aleatório sistemático e os exames seguiram os critérios da Organização Mundial de Saúde. O percentual de escolares livres de cárie foi de 38,8 por cento. Dentre os escolares examinados, 36,6 por cento (n=113) apresentaram atividade de cárie. O CPOD foi de 2,50 (IC95 por cento=2,07-2,93). O componente cariado foi o mais prevalente (61,0 por cento). O coeficiente de Gini foi 0,602 e o valor do índice SiC foi de 5,97 (IC95 por cento=5,32-6,62); neste grupo em especial, 74,7 por cento (n=74) apresentaram atividade de cárie no momento do exame. Desta forma, pode-se concluir que os escolares deste município apresentaram baixa experiência de cárie; entretanto, não apresentaram suas necessidades atendidas, uma vez que a maior parte do CPOD era formada do componente cariado, aos doze anos de idade. No grupo SiC, verificou-se que este apresentou-se bastante elevado, sendo recomendadas ações direcionadas a este grupo específico de adolescentes.

The objectives of this work was to know the dental caries prevalence and treatment need, besides the distribution of the dental caries in a population of 12 year-old teenagers with high incidence of dental caries. 309 adolescents of public schools of Indaiatuba, São Paulo State, in 2004, were examined. They were selected by process systematic random and the exams followed the World Health Organization criteria. The percentile of school caries free was of 38.8 percent. Among the adolescents examined, 36.6 percent (n=113) presented dental caries. DMFT was of 2.50 (IC95 percent=2.07-2.93). The decayed component was the highest (61.0 percent). The coefficient of Gini was 0.602 and SiC value was of 5.97 (IC95 percent=5.32-6.62); in this group especially, 74.7 percent (n=74) presented dental caries activity in the moment of the exam. Thus, it can be concluded that the adolescents of this city presented low dental caries experience; however, their needs were not assisted, once most of DMFT was formed of the decayed component at 12 years old. In the group SiC, it was verified that this came quite high, being recommended actions addressed to this specific group of adolescents.

Dental caries in an elderly population in Brazil

This study evaluated dental caries according to the presence of natural teeth and sociodemographic conditions of an elderly population in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Examinations were performed according to the World Health Organization's guidelines. The sample of 1,192 elderly individuals aged 65 to 74 years was stratified according to the presence of teeth and the following variables: gender, race, age, city size and Human Development Index (HDI). The Mann Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests were applied at a confidence level of 95 percent for analysis of results. In the total sample, 68.9 percent (n=822) were edentulous; the mean of present teeth was 3.5 and the DMFT was 30.2, being 28.5 of missing teeth. Among dentate individuals (n=370), the mean of present teeth was 11.3, the DMFT was 26.2 and the missing component accounted for 20.7 teeth. The differences observed in the evaluated conditions should be highlighted: the mean number of present teeth was higher among younger individuals (from 65 to 69 years) [12.1] and among those living in cities with high HDI [12.9]; the DMFT was lower among men [24.9] and non-Caucasians [25.1]. Based on these findings, it may be concluded that specific dental programs should be established, with emphasis on oral health promotion and dental caries control, as well as public health policies that may enhance the access to the services provided.

Dental caries and tooth loss in adults in a Brazilian southeastern state

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze dental caries experience of adults living in the southeastern state of São Paulo, Brazil, according to some socio-demographic conditions of this population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 1,159 school teachers and workers (35 to 44 years old) from 29 cities of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. RESULTS: 92.3 percent were dentate and the DMFT index (number of decayed, missing and filled teeth) was 21.0 and the mean number of decayed teeth was 1.1, with no significant difference among adults from regions with and without fluoridation. Male subjects presented the highest mean values of "D" (decayed teeth) and "M" (missing teeth) components. The percentage of caries-free subjects was higher among white subjects, as well as the mean number of teeth present in the mouth. The mean values of the "F" component (filled teeth) [9.81] and present teeth [19.3] were higher for adults from fluoridated water regions. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the worse condition observed was the early tooth loss in all groups. In addition, people with worse socio-demographic conditions had worse oral health conditions. It is expected that oral health programs targeted to this population could be established with the goal of improving the oral health conditions of this population and hence the maintenance of the teeth for a longer period in function.

Fatores associados à presença de dentes em adultos de São Paulo, Brasil / Factors associated with maintenance of teeth in adults in the State of São Paulo, Brazil

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a associação entre ter vinte ou mais dentes e variáveis sócio-demográficas, econômicas, de uso de serviços odontológicos e de autopercepção de saúde bucal. Este trabalho foi um estudo transversal em adultos de 35 a 44 anos, em cidades representativas do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Além do exame, os pesquisados responderam a uma entrevista. Foram examinados 1.612 adultos. A análise dos dados se restringiu aos indivíduos dentados, divididos em dois grupos (1-19 dentes e 20 ou mais dentes). Foi usado o teste qui-quadrado e regressão logística (p < 0,05). A maioria (72,1 por cento) apresentou mais de vinte dentes. Verificou-se que a menor escolaridade apresentou forte associação com a maior falta de elementos dentários; além disso, o fato de ser mulher, ter mais idade, morar na região rural, ter cinco pessoas ou mais residindo na mesma casa, ter renda familiar baixa, buscar atendimento em rede pública e ir ao dentista motivado por dor foram diretamente relacionados com mais dentes ausentes.

This cross-sectional study investigated the association between the presence of 20 or more teeth and sociodemographic and economic variables, use of dental care, and self-perceived oral health in adults. The sample consisted of 1,612 individuals aged 35 to 44 years, representative of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. In addition to the dental examination, subjects answered a questionnaire. Analysis in this study was limited to dentate individuals, divided into two groups (1 to 19 versus 20 or more teeth). The chi-square test and logistic regression were used (p < 0.05). Most individuals (72.1 percent) had more than 20 teeth. Less schooling was heavily associated with tooth loss, as were female gender, older age, rural residence, 5 or more people in the same household, low income, seeking treatment in the public health system, and seeking care due to toothache.

Avaliação longitudinal de um programa odontológico direcionado a crianças de instituições de ensino infantil de Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brasil / Longitudinal evaluation of a dentistry program direction the children of education institutions in infant of Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil

O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma avaliação longitudinal de um programa odontológico preventivo voltado a crianças (quatro e cinco anos de idade) de famílias residentes em regiões carentes e frequentadoras de instituições de ensino infantil de Piracicaba. Este trabalho se constituiu por dois grupos: de controle (G1) e teste (G2). Todas as crianças do G2 realizaram ações de promoção e prevenção em saúde, uso de fluoretos (de acordo com risco de cárie) e higiene bucal supervisionada. Utilizaram-se Kappa, teste t pareado equi-quadrado (p < 0,05) para a análise estatística. Ao final do trabalho, o G1 não apresentou diferenças para nenhuma das características clínicas analisadas e no G2 verificou-se que as crianças apresentaram menos placa (p = 0,047); além disso, quando analisadas separadamente as necessidades de tratamento odontológico, observou-se diferença apenas para o tratamento pulpar (p = 0,04). Após 18 meses de estudo pôde-se concluir que o G2 apresentou resultados melhores quanto ao controle de placa dental quando comparado ao G1; contudo, considera-se relevante o acompanhamento dos voluntários por um período maior de tempo, uma vez que é reconhecido que a diminuição da placa bacteriana reflete na diminuição da atividade de cárie e, consequentemente, na história natural da doença.