Use of occlusal sealant in a community program and caries incidence in high- and low-risk children

Vânia Baldini,Gláucia Maria Bovi Ambrosano,Elaine Pereira Da Silva Tagliaferro,Marcelo De Castro Meneghim,Antonio Carlos Pereira

doi:10.1590/s1678-77572011005000016

Vânia Baldini, Gláucia Maria Bovi Ambrosano + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s1678-77572011005000016

Copy DOI

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to investigate the effectiveness of sealant placement under the guidelines of the Oral Health Promotion Program for Children and Adolescents (Portugal), and to test the influence of clinical and socioeconomic variables on the DMFT increment in 277 children, born in 1997. Material and MethodsA dental hygienist performed the initial examinations and sealant placement (Helioseal, Vivadent) on the permanent first molars in 2005. These activities were registered in dental records that were assessed in 2007. Children were classified according to caries risk at baseline [high (HR: DMFT+dmft>0); low (LR: DMFT+dmft=0) risk] and sealant placement as follows: HR-S and LR-S Groups (with sealant placement); HR-NS and LR-NS Groups (without sealant placement). A calibrated dentist performed the final examination in 2007 at school, based on the World Health Organization recommendations. The variables collected were: dental caries, visible dental plaque, malocclusions, and socioeconomic level (questionnaire sent to children's parents). For univariate (Chi-square or Fisher tests) and multivariate (Multiple logistic regression) analyses the DMFT increment >0 was selected as dependent variable. ResultsApproximately 17.0% of the children showed DMFT increment>0 (mean=0.25). High-risk children presented a significant increase in the number of decayed and/or filled teeth. These children had 7.94 more chance of developing caries. Children who did not receive sealant were 1.8 more prone to have DMFT increment >0. ConclusionIt appears that sealant placement was effective in preventing dental caries development. Moreover, the variables "risk" and "sealant placement" were predictors for DMFT increment in the studied children.

Highlights

In recent decades, decreasing prevalence in dental caries has been observed worldwide[9,19,32]
Data distribution showed that among those with DMFT increment the majority (31%) belonged to the HR-NS group
The results showed a trend towards better results for those submitted to sealant placement (Table 1), which is in line with other studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of sealants in high-risk groups[34]

Summary

Introduction

In recent decades, decreasing prevalence in dental caries has been observed worldwide[9,19,32]. The slower progression of lesions[22], the unequal distribution of disease[2], with about 80% of caries experience is concentrated in 20-30% of the population[10,25,31], and the concentration of new lesions on occlusal surfaces of permanent molars[8,12,26] have been noted. An effective procedure for protecting the occlusal surfaces of permanent molars is the application of SLWDQG¿VVXUH VHDODQWV1,5,14,28, the resin-based type being the most commonly used[3,13]. SHUPDQHQW ¿UVW PRODUV LQ FKLOGUHQ DJHG XS WR years, in premolars and second permanent molars in those aged up to 13 years, under a population strategy, attending the maximum number of FKLOGUHQ DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH ¿QDQFLDO DQG KXPDQ UHVRXUFHV DYDLODEOH VSHFL¿F SURJUDP RI VHDODQW placement); and c) restorative care (intervention program). The aims of this study were to investigate the effectiveness of a resin-based sealant placement following the PPSOCA guidelines and to test the LQÀXHQFH RI FOLQLFDO DQG VRFLRHFRQRPLF YDULDEOHV RQ caries incidence after 2 years of follow-up

Methods

Results

Conclusion