Prevalencia de caries de aparición temprana y necesidad de tratamiento en preescolares. Proyecto Sonrisas Comunitarias.

Abstract

Early childhood caries is a common oral health problem during childhood and may result in a significant need for dental care from an early age. Objective: To determine the prevalence of early childhood caries and the need for dental treatment among preschool children participating in the Sonrisas Comunitarias Project. Materials and methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted. The sample included 55 preschool children aged 3 to 5 years from Carlos Monteverde Romero Educational Unit. Present primary teeth were assessed using ICDAS II, the (dmft) index, and the CAMBRA questionnaire. For the specific analysis of early childhood caries, only children aged 3 to 5 years were included (n=45). Results: The prevalence of early childhood caries was 76%. Among the 302 affected surfaces, initial lesions accounted for 27.2%, while moderate and severe lesions represented 36.4% each. The mean (dmft) index was 3.04 ± 3.25, with the decayed component showing the highest value. High caries risk was identified in 70.9% of participants, while 29.1% were classified as low risk. All preschool children required preventive measures, 65.5% required microinvasive or operative treatment, and 7.3% required pulpal and surgical treatment, respectively. Conclusion: A high prevalence of early childhood caries, predominance of high caries risk, and a substantial need for dental care were observed, mainly involving preventive measures and timely treatment.