Eficácia dos selantes dentários na prevenção da cárie infantil nos diferentes niveis sócioeconomicos

Abstract

Sealants for pits, fissures, and occlusal surfaces are an effective preventive measure against occlusal caries in children, especially those from low-income backgrounds who have the highest DMFT index (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth). The objective of this study is to demonstrate, through a literature review, the importance of sealant application for a better prognosis and lower incidence of occlusal caries in children. The methodology employed involves searching for articles from the past 10 years (2013-2023) on the LILACS platform, using keywords such as "sealant and caries prevention," "childhood caries and low income," and "childhood caries and social inequality." Additionally, national studiessuch as SB Brazil 2003 and SB Brazil 2010 were included. As a result, it is evident that the implementation of preventive sealants in childhood has proven to be an effective and non-invasive method for preventing childhood caries by forming a physical barrier between the vulnerable occlusal surface and the oral environment.