Prevalence and determinants of oral conditions and hygiene habits in children from traditional communities in northeastern Brazil: a cross-sectional study

AbstractObjective: To assess the prevalence of dental caries experience, developmental defects of enamel (DDE),and visible plaque in children from two traditional communities in Brazil, and examine associatedsociodemographic, dietary, and clinical factors. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 40children (≤18 years) from two traditional communities in Sergipe, Brazil. Oral examinations were performedby calibrated examiners using World Health Organization (WHO) standard protocols. Sociodemographic,dietary, and clinical data were obtained through structured interviews with caregivers. A composite outcomewas defined as the presence of dental caries experience, DDE, and/or visible plaque. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to identify associated factors. Result: Overall, 65% of children presented dentalcaries experience, DDE, and/or visible plaque. Significant predictors included clinical comorbidities(adjusted Prevalence Ratio [aPR]: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.30–2.42), breastfeeding >12 months (aPR: 1.64; 95% CI:1.10–2.44),