Epidemiological analysis and need for endodontic treatment among the indigenous Sateré-Mawé and Tikuna.

Nely Cristina Medeiros Caires,Luciana Carla Neves De Brito,Leda Quercia Vieira,Antônio Paulino Ribeiro Sobrinho

doi:10.1590/1807-3107bor-2018.vol32.0019

Nely Cristina Medeiros Caires, Luciana Carla Neves De Brito + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.1590/1807-3107bor-2018.vol32.0019

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the epidemiological profile of oral health of Sateré-Mawé indigenous people living in Barreirinha, Amazonas (AM), Brazil, and the Tikuna indigenous people living in the urban area of Manaus (AM), in addition to characterizing the need for endodontic treatment between the two ethnic groups. A total of 138 individuals participated in the study, of whom 98 were Tikuna and 40 were Sateré-Mawé; they were distributed in age groups ranging from seven to 75 years. A very high prevalence of caries was observed in both ethnic groups. For the Sateré-Mawé in the 7-12 age group, the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index presented a mean value of 3.17. Comparing the DMFT index and the need for endodontic treatment in each of the ethnicities, these variables were found to be correlated, because as the DMFT index increases, the chances of needing endodontic treatment increase. The Sateré-Mawé presented a higher prevalence of need for endodontic treatment compared to the Tikuna. The association of comorbidities and the need for endodontic treatment were demonstrated only in the Tikuna, and there was only a correlation of this necessity with the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in one case. The need to expand access to oral health in these communities is emphasized, taking into account geographical access and technological, environmental, linguistic, and cultural barriers.

Highlights

In recent years, there has been a growing number of studies on the oral health conditions of indigenous peoples in Brazil
Among the studies presented in the literature,[1,2] the authors are unanimous in affirming that the oral health situation in these communities is essentially evaluated only by the epidemiological analysis of dental caries, and they share the notion that there is an association between the increase in the prevalence of caries and the consumption of industrialized foods, sugar, associated with precarious or non-existent dental care in many indigenous communities
To evaluate the epidemiological profile of dental caries and the need for endodontic treatment, the DMFT index was used in both ethnic groups, as recommended by the WHO.[9]

Summary

Introduction

There has been a growing number of studies on the oral health conditions of indigenous peoples in Brazil. In addition to being scarce, these studies have a diversity that ranges from the methodology used and the age groups examined to the model of dental care presented in each study. These factors have led to difficulties in comparing the results. Among the studies presented in the literature,[1,2] the authors are unanimous in affirming that the oral health situation in these communities is essentially evaluated only by the epidemiological analysis of dental caries, and they share the notion that there is an association between the increase in the prevalence of caries and the consumption of industrialized foods, sugar, associated with precarious or non-existent dental care in many indigenous communities

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