Prevalence of tooth decay in 6 to 14 year-old children from Pitimbu – Paraiba - Brazil

Abstract

SUMMARY Objective: To verify the prevalence of tooth decay in 6 to 14 year-old children from Pitimbu – Paraiba – Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHOD: One hundred and twenty-seven (127) children were selected for this study. The clinical tests were done by three examiners, under indirect natural light, with the help of a wooden spatula, buccal mirror and clinical probe number 5. The prevalence of tooth decay was detected through DMF and through the percentage of affected teeth, including decayed teeth, missing teeth and filled teeth concerning the number of present permanent teeth. Results: The DMF average was: 1.5; 2.4 and 3.9 for the age brackets 6-8; 9-11 and 12-14, respectively. The percentage of affected teeth varied from 0 to 44%. Just 24.4% (n=31) of the children had zero DMF and 4% (n=5) presented restored teeth. Conclusion: Taking into consideration the high prevalence of tooth decay and the low quantity of restored teeth, the need to implement educational, preventive and rehabilitating measures in Pitimbu, including the implementation of fluoride, is suggested. Such measures would intervene directly against the buccal sickness to solve the tooth decay problems of the population. DESCRIPTORS Tooth decay. DMF index. Prevalence.