Prevalence and factors associated with dental caries in adolescents from the FUSMAE high school

Abstract

Introduction: dental caries is a prevalent global disease that continues to pose a considerable challenge in terms of prevention, particularly due to the multiple factors associated with its occurrence. In this context, adolescents aged 12 to 15 are particularly vulnerable to caries due to the incomplete mineralization of their dental tissues and other risk factors linked to their stage of development.

Objective: to determine the prevalence of dental caries and associated factors among adolescents at the “Santa María de la Esperanza” Educational Unit (FUSMAE), in order to identify common patterns and risk factors contributing to the development of this disease within the studied population. The results aim to assist in designing prevention strategies and promoting oral health tailored to the characteristics and needs of the adolescents in this educational community.

Methodology: a cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at the FUSMAE Educational Unit in Chordeleg, Azuay, Ecuador, with a sample of 98 students aged 12 to 18. Clinical evaluations and surveys on oral hygiene and health were carried out. The presence of caries was measured using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth Index (DMFT). Descriptive analysis was performed using percentages, and associations with social and behavioral factors were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, and Fisher’s exact tests, with a statistically significant relationship set at p < 0.05. The analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 25.0.

Results: a high prevalence of dental caries (89.9%) was observed, although most cases exhibited a very low-risk DMFT index. Prevalence ratios were 1.003 (0.967; 1.040) for the variable "I like my teeth," 0.997 (0.976; 1.019) for "I avoid smiling," 0.983 (0.939; 1.029) for "people mock my teeth," 0.887 (0.757; 1.040) for "missed classes/dental pain," and 1.015 (0.947; 1.089) for "difficulty chewing hard foods." The sample had a medium socioeconomic profile (39.8%). Statistically significant associations were found using Fisher’s exact test for school absences due to dental pain (p = 0.036) and difficulty chewing hard foods (p = 0.012).

Conclusions: the study identified a high prevalence of dental caries among adolescents from socioeconomic level C at the FUSMAE Educational Unit. The main determining factors included school absenteeism due to dental pain and difficulty chewing hard foods.