Experience of non-reversible and reversible carious lesions in 11 and 12 years old Mexican schoolchildren: a negative binomial regression analysis

Dental caries is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases worldwide. In Mexico it is a public health problem. To identify variables associated with caries occurrence (non-reversible and reversible lesions) in a sample of Mexican schoolchildren. We performed a cross-sectional study in 640 schoolchildren of 11 and 12 years of age. The dependent variable was the D 1+2 MFT index, comprising reversible and irreversible carious lesions (dental caries) according to the Pitts D 1 /D 2 classification. Clinical examinations were performed by trained and standardized examiners. Using structured questionnaires we collected socio-demographic, socio-economic and health-related oral behaviors. Negative binomial regression was used for the analysis. The D 1+2 MFT index was 5.68±3.47. The schoolchildren characteristics associated with an increase in the expected average rate of dental caries were: being female (27.1%), having 12 years of age (23.2%), consuming larger amounts of sugar (13.9%), having mediocre (31.3%) and poor/very poor oral hygiene (62.3%). Conversely, when the family owned a car the expected mean D 1+2 MFT decreased 13.5%. When dental caries occurrence (about 6 decayed teeth) is estimated taking into consideration not only cavities (lesions in need of restorative dental treatment) but also incipient carious lesions, the character of this disease as a common clinical problem and as a public health problem are further emphasized. Results revealed the need to establish preventive and curative strategies in the sample.