The association between geographical factors and dental caries in a rural area in Mexico

Gerardo Maupome,Carlo Eduardo Medina-Solís,Alanna Holt,Brittany Carlton,Andrés Mantilla-Rodríguez,E Angeles Martínez-Mier

doi:10.1590/s0102-311x2013001100014

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between markers of oral disease and geographical factors influencing access to dental care (DMFT score) among school children in Central Mexico. Retrospective data were collected during an international service-learning program between 2002 and 2009. A sample of 1,143 children (55% females; mean age 12.7±13.1years) was analyzed. The mean DMFT score, represented largely by untreated tooth decay, was 4.02 (4.76). The variables that had the most significant effect on the DMFT score were proportion of paved roads between the community and dental services, and the availability of piped potable water. The DMFT score increased in proportion to the percentage of paved roads. In contrast, the DMFT score decreased with the availability of piped potable water. Similar results were found for untreated tooth decay. The main variable associated with a significant increase in dental fillings was proportion of paved roads. Together with Brazilian reports, this is one of the first investigations of the association between geographical factors and oral health in an underdeveloped setting.

Highlights

Studies in a number of countries have shown a strong association between poor dental health and low socioeconomic status 1
The present results indicate that even in a largely underserved population there were significant differences in terms of caries experience associated with specific geographical factors
Socioeconomic status and relative household wealth are similar throughout the study area and the standard of living of the region is considered poor by Western standards

Summary

Introduction

Studies in a number of countries have shown a strong association between poor dental health and low socioeconomic status 1. In countries that embrace a typical Western diet, characterized by a high intake of simple sugars, the incidence of dental caries (tooth decay) is generally higher among the poorest segments of the population 2. The fact that dental caries go undetected and untreated for long periods of time in individuals with poor access to dental care is a possible explanation for the higher-than-average experience of tooth decay among these groups. Why people with low socioeconomic status are more susceptible to poor health is unclear. Possible explanations include the adoption of unhealthy dietary habits and lifestyles by this segment of the population and exposure to a number of factors that undermine health, or a combination of these factors. Tooth decay has been described as a “sentinel disease” for other pediatric conditions 1, with dental care being the most commonly unmet need 5

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion