Dental caries in adolescents and its association with their use of dental services

Abstract

Objective: To assess the association between dental caries in adolescents and the use of dental care services in Brazil. Method: Cross-sectional study based on secondary data obtained in the last two National Oral Health Surveys (2003 - 2010), considering the estimated prevalence of dental caries and dental hygiene inadolescents aged 15 to 19 years and dental care services. Results: In Brazil, the dental care index (DCI) has increased on average from 41.2 (2003) to 50.8 (2010). The dental mutilation index (DMI) has decreased on average from 11.7 (2003) to 7.4 (2010). The healthy permanent teeth index (HPTI) showed an increase of 4.9%in the above period. In 2010, the Central West was the only region in the country to show a decrease in the dental care index (DCI). Conclusion: There have been quantitative improvements in regard to dental restoration (dental care), and qualitative improvements in what concerns to tooth loss in the oral health ofBrazilian adolescents.