EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF DENTAL CARIES AND ITS RISK FACTORS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS AT CERÂMICA BASIC SCHOOL, NAMPULA, MOZAMBIQUE

Abstract

Introduction: Dental caries is one of the main oral health problems worldwide, characterized by the demineralization of dental tissues due to the action of bacterial biofilm, enhanced by dietary, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors, with a significant impact on quality of life. Objectives: General: To identify the prevalence of dental caries in children and adolescents in the Ceramic Elementary School and its risk factors, in order to ensure oral health surveillance. Specific: To determine dental caries in deciduous and permanent teeth at ages of 5, 6, 12, and 15; Indicate the risk factors for dental caries at ages of 5, 6, 12, and 15; and estimate the need for dental treatment at ages of 5, 6, 12, and 15.  Methodology: This is an observational descriptive and analytical cross-sectional epidemiological study with a qualitative-quantitative approach, conducted on 250 students, equally distributed between children aged 5 and 6 and adolescents aged of 12 and 15. Data were collected through questionnaires and clinical records, and Pearson chi-square test (X²) was used for statistical analysis. Results: The prevalence of caries was 30,4% (IC 95%: 24,7%-36,1%), being higher among of 5 and 6 year-old students (20,4% [IC 95%: 13,3%-27,5%]) compared to 12 and 15 year-olds (10% [IC 95%: 4,8%-15,3%]). A slight difference between genders was also observed, without statistical significance (p=0,1331). The ceo-d (0,888) and CPO-D (0,256) indices indicated a very low degree of severity and low caries experience, with a predominance of decayed teeth and an absence of restored teeth. There was a significant association between cariostatic diet and caries (p=0,0427), but not with cariogenic diet (p=0,2580) or brushing frequency (p=0,0945). Conclusion: Despite the low caries indices found, the disease remains a public health challenge, especially in early childhood. The high proportion of untreated teeth and low use of dental services reinforce inequalities in access and highlight the need to strengthen public policies for oral health prevention, with a focus on childhood and the school environment.