Epidemiologic pattern of dental caries and treatment needs in a town with moderate prevalence of dental caries

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and severity of dental caries as well as treatment need of preschool children and scholars from Itirapina city, SP. The sample consisted by 159 individuals being 106 aged 5 and 53 aged 12. The dmft and DMFT index were used according to WHO (1997) criteria. The mean dmft observed at age 5 was 3.97 (sd=4.35) and the prevalence of caries free individuals was 32.1%. At age 12, DMFT mean was 3.77 (sd=2.94) and the prevalence of caries free individuals was 18.9%. Decayed component was the highest frequency found both for deciduous and for permanent teeth. Restorations represented the most frequent treatment need while remineralization and sealant application were the least indicated. According to the results obtained, it was concluded that the dental service in this city must be revised in order to be extended in coverage, adopted and elaborated oral health programs that encourage the early dental caries diagnosis for these ages groups and treatment plans should be established under health promotion standards.