We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Inclusion of initial caries lesions in a population-based sample of Brazilian preschool children: Impact on estimates and treatment needs.
- Authors
de Carvalho, Patrícia; Bönecker, Marcelo; Tello, Gustavo; Abanto, Jenny; Oliveira, Luciana Butini; Braga, Mariana Minatel
- Abstract
This study aimed to assess changes in epidemiological estimates and treatment needed when initial caries lesions are included in a population-based survey of preschool children. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a Brazilian municipality, collecting data of preschool children in 16 health centers. Caries detection used the merged codes (epi-codes) for ICDAS/ICCMS. An option for treatment, according to ICCMS, was chosen during the examination. Caries experience (dmft/dmfs) and prevalence were estimated considering three thresholds (A- initial, moderate, and severe lesions, B- only moderate and severe lesions and C- severe lesions). Incremental need for non-operative care was also verified. The sample consisted of 663 children aged 2–4 years (response rate of 99.85%). Including initial lesions, a 2-fold increase in dmft was observed (A: 3.36, B: 1.02, p<0.001). With the inclusion, the caries prevalence increased to 75% compared to threshold B only (28%). The majority (76%) of children who required any intervention (56%) should be scheduled for non-operative care. We suggest that including initial caries lesions in an epidemiological survey may significantly impact assessment of population caries experience.
- Subjects
PRESCHOOL children; ESTIMATES; CHILDREN'S health; MEDICAL centers
- Publication
PLoS ONE, 2020, Vol 15, Issue 6, p1
- ISSN
1932-6203
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1371/journal.pone.0234122