Abstract
In the light of the scarcity of epidemiological studies on the oral health of the general population within the context of the Amazon region, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of dental caries and gingivitis, as well as to evaluate the need for restorative treatment, among school students aged 15 to 19 years in the city of Manaus, AM, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 889 students from within city limits who were enrolled in 26 public and private schools. Dental examinations were performed to obtain the DMFT index (decayed, missing and filled teeth) as well as to determine the treatments needed. The gingival index (Lõe & Silness) was used to classify gingivitis. The intra-examiner diagnostic concordance was 94% and the Kappa statistic was 0.91. The DMFT index found was 4.65 (+/- 0.12), without significant difference between the sexes or skin color groups. The prevalence of dental caries was 87.4%. Restoration of a dental surface was the greatest need (59.3%). Slight gingival inflammation was present in 78.5% and gingival bleeding following probing occurred in 53.3%. Although the DMFT index was lower than that observed for the northern region of Brazil, restorative dental services are lacking for this population. Additional studies are suggested to better understand the differences found.
Highlights
Dental caries is considered a disease of worldwide prevalence and incidence, constituting an important public health challenge in various countries
Contrary to the situation among 12-year-old children, few studies have been conducted to characterize the oral health of adolescents and young adults in Brazil
The students were distributed across 26 schools (13 municipal, 11 state and two private schools) in the six zones within the city limits of Manaus
Summary
Dental caries is considered a disease of worldwide prevalence and incidence, constituting an important public health challenge in various countries. Manaus is considered a large-sized city, with its population of 1,612,475 inhabitants,[4] only one epidemiological study has been conducted, among 12-year-old children in 2004,5 that found moderate prevalence of dental caries, according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. The growth of the city has occurred rapidly and, in many areas, in a disorderly manner This has caused serious problems for the city, of an environmental and social nature, and in regard to public health.[6] the knowledge of oral health at all ages and in different contexts is vital for decision-making in regard to preventive dental care.[7]
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