Revista de Odontologia da UNESP
https://revodontolunesp.com.br/article/doi/10.1590/1807-2577.20250044
Revista de Odontologia da UNESP
Artigo Original

Prevalence and determinants of oral conditions and hygiene habits in children from traditional communities in Northeastern Brazil: a cross-sectional study

Prevalência e determinantes de condições orais e hábitos de higiene em crianças de comunidades tradicionais no nordeste do Brasil: um estudo transversal

Cecília Bezerra de Meneses Corbal GUERRA; Victor Arthur Rodrigues de SOUZA; Thialla Andrade CARVALHO; Gina Delia ROQUE-TORRES; Lucas Alves da Mota SANTANA; Flávia Pardo Salata NAHSAN; Paulo Ricardo MARTINS-FILHO

http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1807-2577.20250044 Rev. odontol. UNESP, vol.55, e20250044, 2026
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Abstract

Introdução: Comunidades tradicionais brasileiras, como quilombolas e ribeirinhas, enfrentam barreiras históricas, socioeconômicas e geográficas que limitam o acesso a serviços de saúde e saneamento, podendo impactar negativamente a saúde bucal infantil. Apesar da redução nacional da cárie dentária nas últimas décadas, persistem lacunas de conhecimento sobre a situação epidemiológica em populações socialmente vulneráveis.

Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de experiência de cárie dentária, defeitos de desenvolvimento do esmalte (DDE) e placa visível em crianças de duas comunidades tradicionais no Brasil, e examinar fatores sociodemográficos, dietéticos e clínicos associados.

Material e método: Estudo transversal realizado com 40 crianças (≤18 anos) de duas comunidades tradicionais do estado de Sergipe, Brasil. Os exames bucais foram conduzidos por examinadores calibrados, seguindo protocolos padronizados da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Dados sociodemográficos, dietéticos e clínicos foram obtidos por meio de entrevistas estruturadas com os cuidadores. Foi definido um desfecho composto pela presença de experiência de cárie dentária, DDE e/ou placa dental visível. A regressão de Poisson com variância robusta foi utilizada para identificar fatores associados.

Resultado: No total, 65.0% das crianças apresentaram experiência de cárie dentária, DDE e/ou presença de placa visível. Os preditores significativos incluíram comorbidades clínicas (Razão de Prevalência ajustada [RPaj]: 1,77; IC95%: 1,30–2,42), amamentação por mais de 12 meses (RPaj: 1,64; IC95%: 1,10–2,44), consumo de até três refeições diárias (RPaj: 1,73; IC95%: 1,04–2,87) e consumo de farinha de mandioca (RPaj: 1,83; IC95%: 1,04–3,25).

Conclusão: Crianças de comunidades tradicionais apresentaram elevada carga de condições bucais adversas, refletindo vulnerabilidade social e insegurança alimentar. Esses achados reforçam a necessidade de estratégias preventivas precoces e culturalmente adequadas, com foco em higiene bucal e nutrição.

Keywords

Dental caries; developmental defects of enamel; dental plaque; quilombola communities; rural population

Resumo

Introduction: Traditional Brazilian communities, such as quilombola and riverine populations, face persistent historical, socioeconomic, and geographic barriers that restrict access to healthcare and sanitation services, potentially compromising children’s oral health. Despite the national decline in dental caries over recent decades, important gaps remain in understanding the epidemiological profile of socially vulnerable populations.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of dental caries experience, developmental defects of enamel (DDE), and visible plaque in children from two traditional communities in Brazil, and examine associated sociodemographic, dietary, and clinical factors.

Material and method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 40 children (≤18 years) from two traditional communities in Sergipe, Brazil. Oral examinations were performed by calibrated examiners using World Health Organization (WHO) standard protocols. Sociodemographic, dietary, and clinical data were obtained through structured interviews with caregivers. A composite outcome was defined as the presence of dental caries experience, DDE, and/or visible plaque. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to identify associated factors.

Result: Overall, 65.0% of children presented dental caries experience, DDE, and/or visible plaque. Significant predictors included clinical comorbidities (adjusted Prevalence Ratio [aPR]: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.30–2.42), breastfeeding beyond 12 months (aPR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.10–2.44), consumption of up to three daily meals (aPR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.04–2.87), and cassava flour consumption (aPR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.04–3.25).

Conclusion: Children from traditional communities showed a high burden of oral conditions, reflecting social vulnerability and food insecurity. These findings highlight the need for early, culturally appropriate preventive strategies focused on oral hygiene and nutrition.

Palavras-chave

Cárie dentária; defeitos do esmalte dentário; placa dentária; comunidades quilombolas; população rural

References

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Submitted date:
12/02/2025

Accepted date:
01/22/2026

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