Association between sense of coherence and untreated dental caries in preschoolers: a cross‐sectional study

• Published in: International dental journal 2019-04, Vol.69 (2), p.141-149
• Main Authors: Neves, Érick Tássio Barbosa, Perazzo, Matheus França, Gomes, Monalisa Cesarino, Ribeiro, Isabella Lima Arrais, Paiva, Saul Martins, Granville‐Garcia, Ana Flávia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Age; Caregivers; Children; Cross-sectional studies; decision trees; Dental caries; Dental pulp; Fistulae; preschool children; Scientific Research Report; sense of coherence; Sociodemographics; Teeth
• ISSN: 0020-6539; 1875-595X
• DOI: 10.1111/idj.12439

Objective The aim of the present study was to evaluate factors associated with the clinical consequences of untreated dental caries in children attending public and private preschools. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted with a complex, preschool‐based sample of 769 children, 5 years of age, from public and private preschools in the city of Campina Grande, Brazil. Clinical examinations to diagnose the consequences of untreated caries were performed using the criteria of the pufa index (p ‐ pulp exposure; u ‐ ulceration caused by movement of tooth fragments; f ‐ fistula; a ‐ abscess). The psychological factor evaluated was parental/caregiver sense of coherence (SOC), which was determined using a validated assessment tool. Sociodemographic characteristics and the use of dental services were also considered. Two examiners were trained to examine the clinical consequences of untreated dental caries. The kappa statistic demonstrated a high level of agreement for the conditions evaluated. Descriptive analysis was performed, followed by the use of an inductive decision tree (J48 algorithm; α = 5%). Results The factors associated with the clinical consequences of untreated dental caries were toothache [prevalence ratio (PR) = 12.34; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 7.87–19.35; P