Dental plaque, preventive care, and tooth brushing associated with dental caries in primary teeth in schoolchildren ages 6–9 years of Leon, Nicaragua

Abstract

BackgroundOur study aimed to evaluate the effect of various risk indicators for dental caries on primary teeth of Nicaraguan children (from Leon, Nicaragua) ages 6 to 9, using the negative binomial regression model.Material/MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out to collect clinical, demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral data from 794 schoolchildren ages 6 to 9 years, randomly selected from 25 schools in the city of León, Nicaragua. Clinical examinations for dental caries (dmft index) were performed by 2 trained and standardized examiners. Socio-demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral data were self-reported using questionnaires. Multivariate negative binomial regression (NBR) analysis was used.ResultsMean age was 7.49±1.12 years. Boys accounted for 50.1% of the sample. Mean dmft was 3.54±3.13 and caries prevalence (dmft >0) was 77.6%. In the NBR multivariate model (p<0.05), for each year of age, the expected mean dmft decreased by 7.5%. Brushing teeth at least once a day and having received preventive dental care in the last year before data collection were associated with declines in the expected mean dmft by 19.5% and 69.6%, respectively. Presence of dental plaque increased the expected mean dmft by 395.5%.ConclusionsThe proportion of students with caries in this sample was high. We found associations between dental caries in the primary dentition and dental plaque, brushing teeth at least once a day, and having received preventive dental care. To improve oral health, school programs and/or age-appropriate interventions need to be developed based on the specific profile of caries experience and the associated risk indicators.

Socioeconomic Inequalities in Visits to the Dentist to Receive Professionally Applied Topical Fluoride in a Developing Country

“…Also, it is evident that there is a gradient in caries levels between the least developed and the most developed countries. According to epidemiological studies, in Nicaragua, the prevalence of dental caries in primary dentition is 77.7%, with an average dmft (decayed, missing and filled teeth) index of 3.54 ± 3.13 for children 6 to 9 years of age [ 7 ]. In permanent dentition the prevalence is 37.9%, with a mean DMFT (Decayed, Missing and Filled teeth) index of 0.98 ± 1.74 [ 8 ].…”

A review of strategies to increase access to oral health services

“…Since primary prevention leads to improved oral health, it should begin early in life (Batliner et al, 2014;Maupomé, 2013;Oral Health, 2014). Patients should learn brushing techniques, flossing methods, the importance of screenings, and methods to prevent secondary conditions from occurring.…”

“…In addition, primary care physicians aid in referring patients to dentists and reminding them of regular visits. As discussed, primary prevention is essential to oral health (Askelson et al, 2015;Batliner et al, 2014;Maupomé, 2013;Oral Health, 2014). For example, IMB proved to be effective, as results showed a decrease in caries and an increase in referrals, which contributed to improved oral health.…”

“…There is a direct relationship between the oral health status of patients and their socioeconomic and education status (Maupomé, 2013;Oral Health, 2014;Pahel, Rozier, Stearnes, & Quiñonez, 2011;White, 2012). These affected individuals and families have poorer oral health and decreased access to dental care than those with more affluent and educated backgrounds.…”

“…Oral diseases also cause secondary diseases to develop in other areas. With regular dental care, however, oral diseases can be prevented (Isong, Zuckerman, Rao, Kuhlthau, Winickoff, & Perrin, 2010;Maupomé, 2013;Oral Health, 2014). According to the National Health Interview Survey (2008), there are safe and effective measures to prevent the most common dental diseases, but access to oral health care remains a substantial problem for the U.S. population (Bloom, Simile, Adams, & Cohen, 2012).…”