Community Dental Health

cover art

Cover Date:
June 2008
Print ISSN:
0265 539X
Vol:
25
Issue:
2

Prevalence and severity of dental caries in schoolchildren of Porto, Portugal

Objectives: To measure the prevalence and severity of dental caries in adolescents of the city of Porto, Portugal, and to assess socioeconomic and behavioural covariates of dental caries experience. Methods: A sample of 700 thirteen-year-old schoolchildren was examined. Results from the dental examination were linked to anthropometric information and to data supplied by two structured questionnaires assessing nutritional factors, socio-demographic characteristics and behaviour related to health promotion. Dental caries was measured using the DMFT index, and two dichotomous outcomes, one assessing the prevalence of dental caries (DMFT>0); the other assessing the prevalence of a high level of dental caries (DMFT≥4). Results: Consuming soft drinks derived from cola (irrespective of sugared or diet) two or more times per week, attending a public school, being female and having parents with low educational attainment were identified as risk factors both for having dental caries and for having a high level of dental caries. Conclusion: Caries levels were positively associated with frequency of intake of sweetened foods and drinks.

Key words: Dental caries; education; nutrition, risk factors

Article Price
£15.00
Institution Article Price
£
Page Start
119
Page End
125
Authors
T. Mello, J. Antunes, E. Waldman, E. Ramos, M. Relvas, H. Barros

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  1. Dental caries rates in primary teeth in 2002, and caries surveillance trends 1981-2002, in a South African city.
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  1. Individual and maternal determinants of self–reported dental health among Turkish school children aged 10-12 years.
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  1. Prediction of periodontal pathology around third molars using linear mixed effects modeling
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  1. Duties and training of dental nurses: How do Irish practices conform to European standards?
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  1. Comparison of ranking dental status using the Significant Caries Index and the Significant Filled and Sound-Teeth Index
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  1. Measuring oral health behaviour in Flemish health care workers: an application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour
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  1. The influence of early counselling on weaning from a bottle
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  1. Prevalence and severity of dental caries in schoolchildren of Porto, Portugal
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  1. Short Communication - Orthodontic treatment need in Nigerian children
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