| Autor: |
Paiva SM; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, School of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil., Abreu-Placeres N; Universidad Iberoamericana, Biomaterials and Dentistry Research Center (CIBO-UNIBE), Academic Research Department, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic., Camacho MEI; Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Health Care Department, Xochimilco, México., Frias AC; Universidade de São Paulo - USP, School of Dentistry, Department of Community Dentistry, São Paulo, SP, Brazil., Tello G; Norbert Wiener University, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Lima, Peru., Perazzo MF; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, School of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil., Pucca-Júnior GA; Universidade de Brasília - UnB, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Department of Dentistry, Brasília, Brazil. |
| Abstrakt: |
Robust epidemiological data allow for logical interventions taken in the interest of public health. Dental caries is a major public health problem driven by increased sugar consumption and various biological, behavioral, and psychosocial factors, and is known to strongly affect an individual's quality of life. This study aims to critically review epidemiological data on the prevalence of dental caries in Latin American and Caribbean countries (LACC) and its impact on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of the population. Although the majority of national surveys did not include all age groups and several countries reported a reduction in the prevalence of cavitated carious lesions, most nations still exhibited a high burden of decayed teeth. OHRQoL evaluation was limited to children and older adults only, and was not included in any national survey. Study heterogeneity and methodological issues hindered comparison of evidence between studies and over time, and updating national level data on caries prevalence and its impact on OHRQoL should be prioritized in LACCs. |
