Oral Health status and health promotion for preschoolers in Piracicaba - SP

• Grant number: 12/25205-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2013
• End date: August 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Social and Preventive Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Maria da Luz Rosario de Sousa
• Grantee: Caroline Zeeberg
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba (FOP). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Tooth decay is a disease that goes beyond biological factors. Indirectly, the modifying factors influence the individual to have a greater risk. Knowing this, health habits already acquired in early childhood may be predictors for decays. Therefore preventive educational programs for preschoolers and their parents or guardians, since these are examples of food habits and hygiene are extremely important for promoting overall health. Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the oral health status of children aged 03 months to 06 years old and to develop an educational program of preventive oral health. Methodology: Children from 3 months to 6 years old, the Day Care School "Escola Municipal Antônio Boldrin "(n = 220), located in Piracicaba, SP, consist in the sample group test. The control group will be children from another day care center, with the same age and with the same socioeconomic characteristics. The parents or responsible for the children will be invited to authorize their kids, knowing it will be an educational and preventive dental examination program by signing the Instrument of Consent (IC). The authorized children will be submitted to oral examination that will assess the Visible Plaque Index, decays (dmft-DMFT) and treatment needs. Based on the acquired data, patients will be classified according to risk group and need for treatment. After this stage, it will be implemented a program of oral health education aimed at children in the test group with the use of lectures, supervised brushing and use of fluoride. Expected Results: It is expected to get to know the oral health of preschoolers, as well as develop strategies for health promotion for this population. Furthermore, we intend to disclose these results for the production of a manuscript and presentation at conferences.