Dental caries according to the socioeconomic level in Itapetininga/SP/Brazil

Abstract

The influence of socioeconomic status factors has been demons- trated at dental caries determina- tion, as in its prevalence as in its severity. Thus, this study aimed at determining the relationship between socioeconomic level and dental caries through its preva- lence and severity, besides treat- ment needs in children aging 7 to 12 years old. 546 children, from public and private schools, were examined in the city of Itapetinin- ga, SP, in 1998, selected according to systematic random sampling process. The clinical exams follo- wed World Health Organization (WHO) (1997). DMFT, dmft, Care Index and Index of Dental Health (IDH) were used. Socioeconomic level was determined according to the attended type of school. Mann-Whitney and chi-square tests were used with significance level of 5%. Among schoolchildren, there was a bigger caries free per- centage in private (49.7%) than in public school (29.5%) (p<0.05). DMFT and dmft in public school were 1.27 and 1.78 and in private school, they were 0.72 and 1,17, respectively, both greater in pu- blic school (p<0,05). A higher per- centage of missed teeth was found in public than in private school (p<0,05). The Care Index was hi- gher among schoolchildren in pri- vate school (91.8%) being 53,4% in public one (p<0.05). The IDH index was 0.7 and 0.8 for public and private schools, respectively. Schoolchildren with higher socio- economic level showed better oral health conditions in the city of Ita- petininga. Key words: oral health, dental ca- ries, schoolchildren, socioeconomic level.