Perfil epidemiológico odontológico y factores asociados en la adolescencia temprana en escolares del cantón La Troncal.

Abstract

Introduction: Caries, periodontal disease, and malocclusions are often associated with low sociodemographic status, gender, education level, etc. These are key determinants of oral health outcomes. The incidence of children with low sociodemographic status and those lacking family support face difficulties accessing dental services. Objective: To determine the dental epidemiological profile and associated factors in early adolescence among schoolchildren from the La Troncal Canton. Materials and methods: Quantitative approach, cross-sectional, and field study with a descriptive-analytical design. Sample size: 153 students aged 12 – 14 from a private institution and 120 from a public institution. The CPOD index, “Classification of Periodontal and Peri-implant Diseases and Disorders 2017”, Angle Classification, Oral Hygiene Index (DI-S), and Calculus Index (CI-S) were used. Socioeconomic level, age, gender, and access to dental services were evaluated. Results: CPOD Index, Public Institution (5,9 ± 1,9), Private Institution (4,1 ± 1,9); Public Institution, 67,2% gingivitis – Private Institution, 58,90% periodontal health; Public Institution, 68% DI-S poor – Private Institution, 51% DI-S adequate; Public Institution, 68% CI-S poor – Private Institution, 51,7% CI-S adequate; Public Institution, 44,3% Class II – Private Institution, 55,6% Class I; Public Institution, 61,5% did not have access to dental treatments – Private Institution, 79,5% had access. Conclusion: Dental problems have been found to be prevalent among adolescents in public institutions. This is attributed to limit access to dental and a lower level of knowledge about oral hygiene habits within the public sector.