The aim of this study was to analyze the trends and main characteristics of articles on resin infiltration (RI) in dentistry. The search was carried out in August 2023 on Web of Science. Two researchers selected the arti...The aim of this study was to analyze the trends and main characteristics of articles on resin infiltration (RI) in dentistry. The search was carried out in August 2023 on Web of Science. Two researchers selected the articles and excluded conference articles. The following data were extracted from the selected articles: citations, year and journal of publication, study design and theme, authorship and institutions, keywords, country and continent. Collaborative networks were generated using the software Vosviewer. Dimensions were consulted to measure altmetric data. Correlation between data was determined by the Sperman's test. A total of 351 articles were included. The number of citations ranged from 0 to 230. The articles were published between 2007 and 2023. The most prominent journal was Journal of Dentistry (n = 36). The majority were laboratory studies (n = 171) evaluating the performance of RI to mask white spot lesions (n = 248), mainly due to caries (n = 256). The country with the most articles was Brazil (n = 51), however the biggest highlight was Europe (n = 141). The most prominent author was Meyer-Luckel H (n = 33). Vosviewer indicated strong collaborations between authors. According to Dimensions, most citations were from Mendeley followed by X users. This study identified an emerging trend in research on RI in dentistry. Based on this review, most research interest in RI was from Europe, addressing the use of RI to arrest and mask white spot lesions. It is concluded that more intervention studies are needed and that Africa and Oceania have a low publication rate.
The prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) tends to increase in the first 5 years of life as children grow, and those affected by ECC are likely to experience caries throughout their lives. ECC negatively impacts the...The prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) tends to increase in the first 5 years of life as children grow, and those affected by ECC are likely to experience caries throughout their lives. ECC negatively impacts the oral health-related quality of life of both children and their families. Although controlling sugar intake and the use of fluoride are well-known methods for managing dental caries, preventive and therapeutic interventions alone have not been sufficient to prevent the development of new caries lesions. This review aims to explore why ECC continues to occur despite the oral health team having the necessary knowledge to prevent it. Based on current scientific evidence, this article highlights the need for the oral health team to consider additional factors, such as implementing oral health prevention programs in the first 450 days of life, enhancing caregivers' oral health literacy, creating a supportive environment, and engaging in upstream actions (teledentistry, implementation science, health policies development etc.) to effectively manage and prevent dental caries. Otherwise we would be educating and treating children and sending them back to the conditions that made them sick. By addressing these factors, it might be possible to improve long-term oral health outcomes for children and reduce the burden of ECC on children and their families.
Villar CC, Carvajal P, Carrer F
… +12 more, Romito GA, Collins JR, Alarcón MA, Rösing CK, Cavagni J, Duque AD, Lafaurie Villamil GI, Fischer RG, Stewart B, Malheiros Z, Benítez C, Pannuti CM
Braz Oral Res
· 2024 Nov · PMID 40561336
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The 2024 Consensus on Periodontology for Latin America and the Caribbean addresses the significant public health issue of periodontal diseases, impacting millions in the region. This comprehensive document presents holis...The 2024 Consensus on Periodontology for Latin America and the Caribbean addresses the significant public health issue of periodontal diseases, impacting millions in the region. This comprehensive document presents holistic recommendations to standardize diagnostic methodologies, enhance public awareness, and integrate preventive and therapeutic practices into general healthcare. Key areas include understanding the prevalence and impact of periodontal diseases, identifying risk factors, and improving diagnostic, preventive, and treatment strategies. The consensus emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, tailored public health interventions, and the importance of continuous monitoring and research. By unifying efforts across various sectors, the consensus aims to reduce the burden of periodontal diseases, thereby improving both oral and general health outcomes in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Environmental and systemic factors play a role in the development of hypomineralization characterized by demarcated opacities. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, distribution, severity, and etiologic factors...Environmental and systemic factors play a role in the development of hypomineralization characterized by demarcated opacities. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, distribution, severity, and etiologic factors associated with hypomineralization in all primary teeth, hypomineralized second primary molars (HSPM) and evaluate its association with Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH). A sample of 2,102 male and female Brazilian children aged 3 to 10 years exhibiting good general health was examined by 30 calibrated dentists using WHO probes and clinical mirrors, using the index proposed by Ghanim et al. Data were collected through clinical examinations and a questionnaire answered by mothers, addressing sociodemographic and prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal factors. Prevalence was assessed by calculating frequency, whereas etiologic factors were evaluated using univariate and multivariate Poisson logistic regression with robust adjustment. In addition, multivariate analysis was conducted using nonparametric resampling with Jacknife adjustment. The overall prevalence of hypomineralization in primary teeth was 18.5%, with second molars affected in 17% and canines in 6.7% of the cases, while other teeth were affected at lower rates. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months showed a protective effect against hypomineralization (p = 0.40). Children with HSPM were five times more likely to develop MIH, regardless of sex (OR: 4.92). Furthermore, lower family income increased the likelihood of MIH. In conclusion, hypomineralization in primary teeth is prevalent, exclusive breastfeeding for six months is associated with a lower prevalence of enamel defects, and children with primary dentition defects are at greater risk for similar conditions in their permanent teeth.
This study evaluated the influence of socioeconomic factors, caregiver characteristics, and early feeding practices on sugar consumption frequency (FSC) during early childhood. Data were collected from dental records of...This study evaluated the influence of socioeconomic factors, caregiver characteristics, and early feeding practices on sugar consumption frequency (FSC) during early childhood. Data were collected from dental records of children aged 1 to 5 years old, who were attended at CliBin®, including sex, age, skin color, income level, mother's age and years of education, primary caregiver, prior instructions on caries prevention, type of early feeding practices (breastfeeding/formula/mixed), exclusive breastfeeding (EB) up to 6 months, children's dental care and their consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and cookies/sugar (CS), with frequency classified as: never (2 points), ≤ 3 times/day (1 point) and > 3 times/day (0 points). The lower the median score the higher the FSC. Descriptive analysis, Kruskal-Wallis test, and ANOVA were applied considering p < 0.05. A total of 123 records were included. The children were predominantly male (56.1%), and brown (46.5%), with an average age of 2.1 (± 0.9) years. The mother was the primary caregiver (86.1%), with ≤ 30 years of age (52.0%), < 12 years of education (75.2%), and previously instructed on caries prevention (58.2%). Most children were breastfed (45.5%) for 23.2 (±9.7) months on average, received EB (87.1%), consumed SSB (87.6%) and CS (90.9%) 3 times/day. The total FSC mean score was 1.6 ± 0.9 (95%CI: 1.4-1.7). Children of younger mothers (≤ 30 years) had the lowest FSC scores (1.4 ± 0.9; 95%CI: 1.0-1.6; p=0.01). It was observed that among the factors studied, only mothers in the younger age range influenced high sugar consumption during early childhood.
The aim of this ex vivo study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Reciproc, Hyflex CM, and ProDesign Duo Hybrid in the retreatment of mesial root canals with Vertucci Type 4 of mandibular molars with curvatures between 1...The aim of this ex vivo study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Reciproc, Hyflex CM, and ProDesign Duo Hybrid in the retreatment of mesial root canals with Vertucci Type 4 of mandibular molars with curvatures between 10 and 20 degrees. Forty-five mesial roots of mandibular molars were prepared up to size 25.06 Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) file and filled by the single cone technique. The roots were then divided into 3 groups according to retreatment procedures: Reciproc R25 followed by R40; Hyflex 25.04 followed by 40.04; ProDesign Duo Hybrid 25.06 followed by 40.05. The canals were irrigated with 1 mL 1% sodium hypochlorite, and a final rinse was performed with 5 mL 17% EDTA for 3 minutes. Microcomputed tomography scans were performed in each step of the procedure to evaluate root canal transportation at distances of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mm from the apex and volume of endodontic filling remaining at segments of 1-3, 3-5, and 5-7 mm from the apex. The filling material that was not removed during retreatment was evaluated by confocal laser scanning and the percentage after each procedure was expressed in terms of percentage of the initial root-filling material volume. The time taken to remove the material and re-instrumentation was measured in seconds with a digital chronometer. Statistical analysis was performed with t-paired, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman tests (p < 0.05). In all groups, sections at 4, 6, 8, and 10 mm from the apex were transported to the danger zone, towards the furcation. However, the section at 2 mm from the apex was transported in opposite direction to the furcation, but no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in canal transportation and filling material removal were found between the 3 groups. Filling removal and re-instrumentation took significantly (p < 0.05) less time in the Reciproc group. None of the retreatment techniques completely removed the root fillings. The results suggest that no difference exists between the groups in apical transportation of curved canals. The Reciproc system took less time for filling removal and re-instrumentation and the combination of reciprocating and rotary files in the retreatment of curved canals was as efficient as rotary and reciprocating motion.
This study aims to evaluate the mechanical properties of 3D printing resins for occlusal splints (OS) under different preservation conditions based on sleep duration. The study factors (n = 10) included material types: P...This study aims to evaluate the mechanical properties of 3D printing resins for occlusal splints (OS) under different preservation conditions based on sleep duration. The study factors (n = 10) included material types: PriZma 3D Bio Splint (PZ), Cosmos Splint (CS), NightGuard Firm (NGF), and self-polymerizing acrylic resin (control group - CG); preservation: artificial saliva (S), natural water (W), 0.12% chlorhexidine (C), and Corega tabs (CTs); and evaluation times: T0 (24 h after fabrication) and 30 d after exposure. Further, the surface roughness (Ra), Knoop microhardness (KH), three-point flexural strength (FS), and flexural modulus (FM) were analyzed. In terms of the time and material, Tukey's test revealed no significant differences in Ra between the groups at 24 h. After 30 d, PZ showed significantly lower values than the other groups (p < 0.05). For the KH, NGF was significantly higher than that in all groups at 24 h (p < 0.05); after 30 d, the NGF decreased in W and C (p < 0.05), and the NGF and PZ exhibited elevated values in S and CT, respectively. The Kruskal-Wallis test and multiple comparisons showed that the PZ had a higher value at 24 h (p < 0.05). Post 30 d, all 3D-printing resins increased values in CT and S (p < 0.05), and the PZ decreased in the C and W (P < 0.05). Finally, the FM increased under all conditions. The preservation of S and CT partially enhanced the mechanical properties of the OS.
The present in vitro study evaluated the effect of titanium dioxide nanotubes (nTiO2) incorporated into glass ionomer cement (GIC) on the growth and viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus). GIC (Ketac Mol...The present in vitro study evaluated the effect of titanium dioxide nanotubes (nTiO2) incorporated into glass ionomer cement (GIC) on the growth and viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus). GIC (Ketac Molar EasyMix® = KM) was added to concentrations of 0%, 3%, 5%, 7% by weight of nTiO2 (20 nm in size). L. acidophilus strains (1x108 CFU/mL) were cultivated on GIC discs with or without the addition of nTiO2 for 1, 3 and 7 days, and the following parameters were evaluated: inhibition zone (mm) (n = 6); cell viability (Live/Dead) (n = 6); cell morphology (SEM) (15 KV, 2000X, n = 3). The data were submitted to ANOVA and the Tukey and Dunnett tests (α = 0.05). Regarding the agar diffusion test, there was no difference between GIC and the groups containing nTiO2 (p > 0.05). As for bacterial viability, the percentage of viable bacteria was lower for GIC+7% nTiO2 (p ≤ 0.05). There was no difference in the percentage of non-viable bacteria (p > 0.05). In addition, the morphology of L. acidophilus did not change in the presence of nTiO2. It can be concluded that the incorporation of titanium dioxide nanotubes into GIC, particularly at 5%, reduced L. acidophilus viability, and might hence interfere negatively with the initial colonization process of the bacterial biofilm.
This study aimed to assess the clinicopathological characteristics of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), addressing histopathological features and bone structure. Twenty-two MRONJ patients were retrospe...This study aimed to assess the clinicopathological characteristics of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), addressing histopathological features and bone structure. Twenty-two MRONJ patients were retrospectively evaluated for osteonecrosis, osteomyelitis, bacterial colonization, bone resorption, reactive bone, osteon-like structure, lamellar bone, and basophilic lines. Specific staining and fluorescence and polarized light microscopy assessments were also performed. The mandible was significantly more affected by MRONJ. There was a predominance of African-Brazilian women aged sixty and older. Osteomyelitis was present in 82% of patients. Actinomycosis was observed in 36.4% of MRONJ patients. Osteoclasts were absent in MRONJ but bone resorption was often seen. Basophilic lines were observed in more than 80% of the patients. The MRONJ patients exhibited lamellar bone with osteon-like structures. This study provided important insight into MRONJ, demonstrating a diverse histopathological spectrum and infection with Actinomyces and fungi. The condition was characterized by a necrotized lamellar bone structure and more frequently affected the mandible of older women.
Head and neck radiotherapy quantitatively and qualitatively compromises salivary flow, and salivary substitutes have the potential to alleviate the symptoms. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of two salivary su...Head and neck radiotherapy quantitatively and qualitatively compromises salivary flow, and salivary substitutes have the potential to alleviate the symptoms. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of two salivary substitutes in relieving symptoms of radiotherapy-induced xerostomia through a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Twenty-four patients were selected from a dental oncology clinic and randomly assigned to the over-the-counter or compounded mouthwash group. Each patient was instructed to rinse their oral cavity with the assigned solution three times a day for 30 days. Both participants and researchers were blinded to the product used during the trial. The impact of xerostomia was assessed using a numerical rating scale and validated questionnaires on oral health-related quality of life and xerostomia, administered before and after the intervention and subsequently compared. Both groups exhibited a statistically significant reduction in xerostomia symptoms. The studied salivary substitutes produced transient beneficial effects on complaints of radiotherapy-induced xerostomia.
This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with the perception among Brazilian dentists of the preventive or therapeutic use of sealants on permanent molars. A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted with...This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with the perception among Brazilian dentists of the preventive or therapeutic use of sealants on permanent molars. A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted with Brazilian dentists between July and October 2021 to examine their use of social media and gather data regarding sealant-related practices. A structured questionnaire was developed and applied to collect information on participants' professional profiles, clinical indications, materials, techniques, and perceptions of pit and fissure sealants. The study outcomes were the positive perception of sealant use as: (a) a preventive measure, or (b) a therapeutic approach to carious lesions. Responses were dichotomized into positive perception ("strongly agree" or "agree") and negative perception ("neither agree nor disagree," "disagree" or "strongly disagree"). Independent variables included sociodemographic, educational, professional, and technical characteristics. Multiple logistic regression models were used to analyze associations (p < 0.05). A total of 2,394 dentists participated in the study, 82.5% of whom had a positive perception of sealants for prevention, and 83.1%, for therapeutic purposes. A greater likelihood of positive perception of preventive sealant use was observed among educators, those employed in public health services, dentists who "always" performed sealant application, and those who used resin sealant, glass ionomer cement, or flowable resin. Conversely, professionals working in capital cities had a lower likelihood of a positive perception. Professionals from cities with populations exceeding 500,000 inhabitants, interior areas, or metropolitan regions were less likely to have a positive perception of therapeutic sealant use. However, those who used resin sealants, glass ionomer cement, or flowable resin were more likely to perceive sealants positively. In conclusion, the positive perception of sealant use for prevention was associated with educational, professional, and technical factors, whereas the positive perception of therapeutic use was associated with professional and technical factors.
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) has a multifactorial etiology involving psychological and genetic aspects. This condition commonly begins in adolescence, which is a period of emotional, physical, and psychological...Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) has a multifactorial etiology involving psychological and genetic aspects. This condition commonly begins in adolescence, which is a period of emotional, physical, and psychological maturation. The aim of the present study was to investigate associations between temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder and happiness as well as polymorphisms in the COMT, HTR2A, and FKBP5 genes in Brazilian adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 90 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years. TMD was diagnosed using the RDC/TMD. The Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS) was used to assess happiness. Saliva samples were collected for the analysis of genomic DNA and genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the COMT (rs165656, rs174675), HTR2A (rs6313, rs4941573), and FKBP5 (rs1360780, rs3800373) genes using real-time PCR (Taqman method). Bivariate, unadjusted, and adjusted binary logistic regression analyses were performed (p < 0.05). Happiness was associated with TMD in the adolescents (OR=1.37; 95%CI: 1.02-1.85; p = 0.037). The rs174675 polymorphism in the COMT gene was significantly associated with TMD (OR = 0.18; 95%CI: 0.04-0.74; p = 0.018). No associations were found between TMD and polymorphisms in HTR2A and FKBP5 genes (p > 0.05). TMD was associated with happiness, as adolescents who considered themselves less happy were more likely to have this disorder. The diagnosis of TMD was also associated with the rs174675 polymorphism in the COMT gene, as the prevalence of the disorder was higher among homozygous C Brazilian adolescents than in heterozygous CT individuals.
This study aimed to evaluate the influence of a portable X-ray device on the diagnosis of proximal caries lesions. For that, radiographs of 40 human teeth with white spots or color changes in enamel and/or dentin were ac...This study aimed to evaluate the influence of a portable X-ray device on the diagnosis of proximal caries lesions. For that, radiographs of 40 human teeth with white spots or color changes in enamel and/or dentin were acquired using the Eagle X-ray portable device (Alliage, São Paulo, Brazil) set at 2.5 mA, 60 kVp and an exposure time of 0.5 s (1.25 mAs). Then, new radiographs of the teeth were acquired using the Focus X-ray wall-mounted device (Instrumentarium, Tuusula, Finland) set at 7 mA, 70 kVp, and exposure time of 0.16 s (1.12 mAs). Five oral and maxillofacial radiologists individually assessed the radiographs. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity were calculated from the responses of the five examiners and compared between the devices tested using Student's t test. Significance level was set at 5% (α = 0.05). The weighted Kappa index evaluated the intra- and inter-examiner agreements for caries lesions diagnosis. The use of a portable X-ray device did not influence on AUC, sensitivity and specificity metrics for the diagnosis of caries lesions (p > 0.05). The intra- and inter-examiner agreements for the caries lesions diagnosis ranged from substantial to almost perfect (0.646-0.859) and moderate to substantial (0.491-0.617), respectively. The diagnostic accuracy for detecting proximal caries lesions is not impaired when using a portable X-ray device.
Teleconsulting consists of communication between professionals about clinical matters using information and communication technologies. Satisfaction is an important outcome in the evaluation of telehealth programs and an...Teleconsulting consists of communication between professionals about clinical matters using information and communication technologies. Satisfaction is an important outcome in the evaluation of telehealth programs and an indicator of the effectiveness of the services offered. This cross-sectional study evaluated dentist satisfaction with asynchronous dental teleconsulting services offered by the Telehealth Brazil Networks Program and associated factors during 2020, using a secondary database: the Monitoring and Evaluation System of Telehealth Results. The outcome was the satisfaction of the dentist with the response of the teleconsulting session. The other variables collected were the dentist's sex and specialty, the time at which the question and answer of the teleconsulting session were submitted, patient referral, and the dental specialty addressed in the teleconsulting session. The variables were analyzed descriptively using frequency, and binary logistic regression models were used to measure the association between satisfaction and factors related to the dentist and the teleconsulting service. A total of 1,719 dental teleconsulting sessions were conducted. A 26.7% satisfaction level was achieved. Satisfaction with teleconsulting was indicated by the association between professionals declaring that dental teleconsulting "avoided referrals" (OR =1.55, 95%CI: 1.17-2.04, p = 0.002) and the teleconsulting sessions in the field of oral medicine (OR = 0.61, 95%CI: 0.43-0.87, p = 0.006). Dentists' satisfaction with asynchronous dental teleconsulting was low. Dentists reporting that teleconsulting avoided patient referrals to other care levels were more likely to be satisfied with the answer from the teleconsultant. Moreover, dentists who submitted oral medicine-related questions were significantly less satisfied with the teleconsulting feedback than those who submitted questions regarding other fields.
Ferreira RC, Vargas AMD, Moura RNV
… +5 more, Fonseca MLV, Gomes VE, Pinheiro EL, Cartaxo SCA, Pinto RDS
Braz Oral Res
· 2025 Apr · PMID 40396854
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This study compared the experience of dental caries and the prevalence of edentulism in 2003, 2010, and 2023 for individuals aged 65 to 74 in Brazil by region and according to self-declared race/skin color and years of s...This study compared the experience of dental caries and the prevalence of edentulism in 2003, 2010, and 2023 for individuals aged 65 to 74 in Brazil by region and according to self-declared race/skin color and years of schooling. A probabilistic cluster sample obtained from three national oral health surveys was analyzed. Information from oral health examinations for dental caries, according to the World Health Organization, common to three surveys, were used. The statistical significance of differences between estimates from each survey was evaluated for a linear combination of coefficients after mean or proportion estimation command by subpopulations and two-sided t-tests. Poisson and logistic regression models were employed to estimate changes between surveys while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. The sampling design and sample weight were considered for the estimates. The analysis of data from 5,349 (2003), 7,509 (2010), and 9,745 (2023) individuals revealed a significant reduction in the DMFT index from 27.60 (2003) and 27.53 (2010) to 23.55 (2023) and in the prevalence of edentulism from 53.34% (2003) and 53.38% (2010) to 36.32% (2023). The number of missing teeth decreased by 14.46% between 2023 and 2010, with the greatest variation among white individuals and those with higher educational levels. The number of filled teeth increased. Adjusted regression models confirmed significant reductions in the DMFT index and the prevalence of edentulism between 2023 and 2003. The elderly Brazilian population is retaining more natural teeth. However, reductions in tooth loss were unequal, occurring primarily among white individuals and those with higher educational levels.
Braz Oral Res
· 2025 Apr · PMID 40396853
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This cross-sectional study investigated the demand for and use of dental services, use of prosthesis, self-perception and clinical evaluation of the need for dental treatment and prostheses in adults aged 35 to 44 years...This cross-sectional study investigated the demand for and use of dental services, use of prosthesis, self-perception and clinical evaluation of the need for dental treatment and prostheses in adults aged 35 to 44 years participating in SB Brasil 2023. Demographic and contextual variables were analyzed, as well as clinical variables and self-perception of oral health (treatment and prosthesis). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS Statistics 23.0 software. The results showed that the majority of adults used dental services in the past year, mainly in the private and public sectors. Among public service users, 62.3% were actually attended to. The need for prostheses was identified in 49.6% of individuals who do not use prostheses and in 77.7% of those who already use them. It was observed that 86.6% of individuals who self-assessed their need for prosthesis were also clinically evaluated as needing one. Regarding dental treatment, this evaluation coincided in 65.6% of individuals. Disparities in access to and utilization of dental services were identified, as well as a high demand for prosthetic care and rehabilitation. These results emphasize the need for public policies that expand access to and improve the quality of dental services in adult healthcare in Brazil. Furthermore, they suggest that promoting self-perception could be an effective strategy to improve planning and adherence to oral health care.
Drummond AMA, Diniz TC, Ferreira RC
… +5 more, Gomes VE, Pinto RDS, Vasconcelos M, Prates MVC, Vargas AMD
Braz Oral Res
· 2025 Apr · PMID 40396852
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This study aimed to compare the findings of the SB Brasil 2003, 2010, and 2023 surveys and analyze the evolution of caries experience among Brazilian adolescents (aged 15-19 years). A total of 16,832 adolescents were eva...This study aimed to compare the findings of the SB Brasil 2003, 2010, and 2023 surveys and analyze the evolution of caries experience among Brazilian adolescents (aged 15-19 years). A total of 16,832 adolescents were evaluated in 2003, 5,445 in 2010, and 8,054 in 2023. Although the 2010 sample was numerically smaller, all surveys maintained representativeness for Brazil, its regions, and state capitals, following national epidemiological sampling criteria. The DMFT index (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) and its components were analyzed at the national, regional, and state capital levels, considering socioeconomic and regional disparities. A significant reduction in the mean DMFT index was observed, from 5.51 (2003) to 4.25 (2010) and 3.41 (2023), with more pronounced declines in the Northeast and South regions. The decayed component showed a decrease between 2003 and 2023, while the filled teeth without decay component consistently decreased. Despite these improvements, regional inequalities persist, with the North and Central-West regions reporting higher caries rates and lower access to dental care. These findings highlight notable advancements in adolescent oral health in Brazil, particularly regarding the reduction in caries experience across some regions. However, persistent disparities underscore the need for targeted public health policies to ensure more equitable access to oral healthcare.
Braz Oral Res
· 2025 Apr · PMID 40396851
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This study aimed to compare caries experience, prevalence of caries-free and untreated caries in 12-year-old adolescents, based on data from the national epidemiological surveys of 2003, 2010, and 2023, in Brazil and its...This study aimed to compare caries experience, prevalence of caries-free and untreated caries in 12-year-old adolescents, based on data from the national epidemiological surveys of 2003, 2010, and 2023, in Brazil and its regions, and to estimate the clinical consequences of untreated caries in 2023. A probabilistic cluster sample obtained from the three surveys was analyzed. The oral examinations for caries followed the recommendations of the World Health Organization. High caries experience was identified using the Significant Caries Index (SiC). Clinical consequences of untreated caries were measured using the PUFA index. A hypothesis test was conducted to verify differences in the means of DMFT and components, SiC, DMFT=0, and decayed teeth ≥ 1 among the surveys of 2003, 2010, and 2023. The analysis of data from 34,529 (2003), 7,328 (2010), and 6,704 (2023) adolescents revealed a significant reduction in DMFT from 2.47 (2003) and 2.07 (2010) to 1.67 (2023), and for the SiC group the reduction was from 6.30 (2010) to 5.90 (2023). A significant increase in the prevalence of caries-free was observed, from 34.64% (2003) and 43.49% (2010) to 49.88% (2023), and a significant reduction in the prevalence of adolescents with untreated caries from 48.47% (2003) to 36.85% (2023). Adolescents had on average 0.14 teeth with clinical consequences of untreated caries, with pulp involvement being the most frequent (80.02%), and 8.71% had PUFA≥1. Although 12-year-old adolescents showed a decrease in caries experience, the SiC group, untreated caries, and its clinical consequences represent sociodemographic inequities that need to be addressed.