Profile of carÍes-free students

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the profile of caries-free students. The epidemiological sur- vey was conducted with trained and standardized examiner, accor- ding to a multi-stage processwhich ensured a representative sample of925 students aging from 12to 18 years from public (n=700) and pri- vate (n=225)schools.Aquestionnai- re and a clinical examination (DMFT index) were carried out. The results showed the mean of DMFT index were 3.4 at age 12 years. and 7.6 at 18years. The pro- portion of caries-free students was 18.2% (n=168). Analyzing the ca- ries-free students the percentage at 12-yr. students was 79.8%and 20.2% at 18-yr ones; the gender was 47% boys and 53% girls; the percentage was higher in public (56%) than private (44%) schools. The students who visited the den- tist every 6 months (29.8%) was higher than those who visited eve- ry year (9.5%). Students who do not change the dentist showed a percentage of85.1%with no caries. In relation to brushing instruc- tions, 42.9% of the students were taught bymothers while 25.6%,by dentists. Preventive methods used were: topical fluoride gel (20.8%), wash rinse (20.8%)and dental floss (44.1%).The findings ofthis inves- tigation demonstrated the use pre- ventive methods is not common in caries-free students; the mother is the main instructor for brushing methods, and students who do not change the dentist and who seek for oral care every six months represent the majority of caries- free ones.