Abstract
The epidemiological profile of dental caries for Indigenous Peoples is complex and heterogeneous. The oral health of the Kaingang people, third largest Indigenous population from Brazil, has not been investigated so far. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and severity of dental caries, in addition to the associated factors of the need of dental extraction among Kaingang adult Indigenous. A cross-sectional oral health survey was conducted among Kaingang adults aged from 35 to 44 years old living in the Guarita Indigenous Land, Rio Grande do Sul. Clinical exams were performed to analyze the conditions of dental crown and treatment needs. A total of 107 Indigenous adults were examined. Mean DMFT score was 14.45 (± 5.80). Two-thirds of the DMFT score accounted for missing teeth. Anterior lower dentition presented the highest rates of sound teeth, whereas the lower first molars had the lowest. Need for dental extraction was observed in 34.58% and was associated with village location, time of last dental visit, and higher number of decayed teeth. The high frequencies of caries and missing teeth observed in this population indicate a lack of adequate assistance. It is essential to discuss health care models in order to combat avoidable social and health injustices.
Highlights
The epidemiological profile of dental caries for Indigenous Peoples is complex and heterogeneous
A cross-sectional oral health survey was conducted among Kaingang adults aged from 35 to 44 years old living in the Guarita Indigenous Land, Rio Grande do Sul
A total of 107 individuals was examined, corresponding to approximately 35.7% of the universe of individuals aged 35–44 years old living in the Guarita Indigenous Land
Summary
The epidemiological profile of dental caries for Indigenous Peoples is complex and heterogeneous. The oral health of the Kaingang people, third largest Indigenous population from Brazil, has not been investigated so far. Irrespective of country, individuals belonging to native groups present higher prevalence rates of untreated dental caries, missing teeth, inadequate dentition, periodontal disease, and fewer restored teeth[3,4]. The Indigenous population from Brazil is estimated at 817 thousand individuals (0.26% of the national population) living across all regions of the national territory Such universe comprises 305 different ethnic groups exhibiting highly diverse sociocultural characteristics and epidemiological profiles[5]. The oral health profile of the Kaingang people, who inhabits the Southern region and represents the third largest national Indigenous population, has not been investigated so far
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