RGO: Revista Gaúcha de Odontologia ()
The decline in dental caries in school children between 1998 and 2004 in Leme, São Paulo, Brazil
Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the dental caries prevalence and the treatment needs in 5- and 12 year-old schoolchildren in 2004 and to compare these data with those found in Leme, São Paulo, in 1998.Methods: The exams were performed in schoolchildren at public schools in Leme. The exams, in the two years, followed the recommendationsof the World Health Organization. Results: In 5 year-olds the Mean dfmt was 2.39 (IC 95%=1.53-3.25), in 1998, and in 2004, the dmft was 1.99 (IC 95%=1.39-2.57), presenting a 16.4% reduction in dental caries experience in this period (p=0.559). At present, 49.3% of the schoolchildren were caries-free, with a 12.9% (p=0.055) increase in this condition. In 12 year-olds, DFMT was 3.3 (IC 95%=2.45-4.17), in 1998 and 1.97 (IC 95%=1.53-2.40), in 2004, representing a reduction of 40.3% (p <0.001). The percentage of caries-free children at this age increased from 25.6% to 41.6% (p=0.010). At 5 years of age, the Significant Caries Index went from 5.93 (1998) to 5.26 (2004), in 12 year-olds, it went from 6.36 (1998) to 4.66 (2004). At 5 years, it was verified that the need for restoring one surface decreased, however, the need for restoring two or more surfaces was higher inthe period. At 12 years, it was verified that need for restoring one surface increased and the need for extractions decreased. Conclusion: After six years of study, an improvement was found in the oral health conditions in the two age groups, suggesting that care should continue to be intensified, particularly among five-year-old children.
