[Topical fluoride in the reduction of dental caries in adolescents in Salvador, BA, 1996].
The aim of this paper was to investigate the experience of dental caries in a population of young adults from Salvador--BA, and to associate the prevalence of caries with the utilization of topical fluoride. A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 493 persons aged 12-20 years, from Salvador--BA. Data were obtained from interviews and clinical examinations and they were analyzed through backward logistic regression. The DMFT was 4.44 (SD 3.71), and, for subjects aging 12-13 years, it was 2.72 (SD 2.75). A hundred and forty adolescents reported that they had participated in oral health programs (30%), and the majority felt that they were unable to maintain their own oral health. Topical fluoride was not a significant factor in the decrease of the prevalence of caries among these young adults (RP = 0.9). There was a decline in dental caries in this group. However, it is necessary to review the surgical-restorative model of dental practice in order to achieve better results in the promotion of oral health.
Cangussu
M C
MC
Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Federal da Bahia.
Costa
M C
MC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003792:Dental Records; D005260:Female; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D005460:Fluorides, Topical