Abstract

RAMIREZ-PUERTA, Blanca Susana; ESCOBAR-PAUCAR, Gloria; CASTRO-AGUIRRE, José Fernando  and  FRANCO CORTES, Ángela María. Treatment needs in primary dentition in 1-5 year old children with non treated dental caries in a low-income community. Moravia, Medellín, 2006. Rev Fac Odontol Univ Antioq [online]. 2009, vol.20, n.2, pp.129-137. ISSN 0121-246X.

INTRODUCTION: the purpose was to establish non treated dental caries prevalence and treatment needs in 1 to 5 year old children living in a low-income neighborhood in Medellin. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was performed in 162 children. A calibrated (Kappa 0.73) examiner assessed dental status according to Pitts & Fyffe criteria. Based on caries lesions advance (D1-D4), treatment needs were defined, according to current guidelines promoting a preventive and less invasive approach. The proportion of non treated dental caries was estimated, as well as the average and standard deviation of teeth per child requiring different treatment categories. RESULTS: from the total 162 children, 77.8% had non treated dental caries, each child having 5.8 ± 4.1 teeth needing some kind of treatment. From all dental caries lesions, 47% correspond to initial enamel lesions or small cavity confined to enamel (D1 - D2), potentially controlled by preventive treatment, and 53% compromise dentin and pulp (D3 - D4). Treatment needs increased with age. CONCLUSIONS: high prevalence of Early Childhood Caries and non treated dental caries lesions reflects cumulated treatment needs in this low income population and support a relationship between dental caries, inequalities and living conditions, limiting access to effective and opportune dental care.

Keywords : dental caries; children; preschool; primary dentition; oral health; epidemiology; health disparity; non treated dental caries; treatment needs.

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