Caries experience and associated risk factors in Venezuelan 6-12-year-old schoolchildren

Abstract

This research aims to provide updated information on caries experience and associated risk factors in children 6-12 years old. A cross-sectional and descriptive study design was carried out with a non-probabilistic, convenient sample of 209 children male and female. Clinical examinations were performed by calibrated dental students following WHO detection criteria. Caries indices dmft and DMFT were calculated. Caries Risk Assessment data was collected using an adapted CAMBRA instrument; following the International Caries Care guidelines. Descriptive statistics were performed to analyze the results and Chi-square test, Contingency Coefficient (C) and Corrected Typified Residues were calculated to determine the association between variables. 58% of the total population had dental caries lesions in its more severe stages (cavitation) and 42% were apparently healthy (AHS) without any cavitated lesions. The mean dmft index was 1.34 ± 1.93, and the mean DMFT index was 0.63 ± 1.22. Lesion severity remained between 1-2 teeth affected on both dentitions. A statistically significant association (p = 0.035) between the health condition and toothbrushing was stablished with a degree of dependence of C = 0.144. A positive standardized residual of 2.1 was evident for schoolchildren that experience caries lesion that never brush their teeth and AHS that brushed their teeth more than once. No association (p = 0.081) was found between health condition and intake of sugary snacks and beverages. A severe dental caries experience with a statistically significant association between the health condition and toothbrushing with fluoridated toothpaste 1450 ppm > 1 a day and a positive correlation in schoolchildren that experience caries lesion that never brush their teeth.