Assessment of the impact of social isolation due to COVID-19 on the oral health of schoolchildren in the city of Bauru

Author(s)

Isabella Claro Grizzo

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Bauru.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB/SDB)
• Defense date: 2023-03-10

Examining board members

Daniela Rios Honório; Catarina Ribeiro Barros de Alencar; Fernanda Campos de Almeida Carrer; Ana Carolina Magalhães

• Advisor: Daniela Rios Honório

Abstract

Social isolation was the emergency contingency measure found to cope with the emergence and rapid spread of the coronavirus. The isolation resulted in the end of several activities and changes in the routine of the population. In addition, the virus had an impact on the world economy, causing an increase in unemployment rates and consequently poverty. With increased poverty, discontinuation of children going to school, discontinuation of monitoring in oral health programs, more time at home, and consequently greater accessibility to foods with cariogenic potential, it was hypothesized a worsening in oral health of children during this period. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare oral health indices (caries, gingival bleeding, and visible dental plaque), socioeconomic status, dietary habits, and hygiene habits in the pre- and post-critical Covid-19 pandemic period. The methodology was based on clinical exams performed in 680 schoolchildren from the city of Bauru- SP, using the ICDAS, visible plaque index and gingival bleeding index, performed in a study before the isolation period. From this initial sample, 481 children were clinically reassessed using the same indices previously mentioned. In addition, questionnaires were applied to the guardians in a recall form to analyze the socioeconomic impact, eating and brushing habits of the children during this period. After data collection, the Wilcoxon test was used to compare the rates of caries, gingival bleeding, visible dental plaque, socioeconomic status, dietary habits, and hygiene habits before and after the pandemic. The results showed a significant increase in VPI, DMFS, consumption of cariogenic foods and brushing performed by children in the post-pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic period. However, there was no statistically significant difference in toothbrushing habits performed by parents and in socioeconomic characteristics. Based on the results, it can be concluded that isolation had a negative impact on the caries index of the evaluated children. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/00039-0 - Analysis of the impact of social isolation due to COVID-19 on the oral health of school children in the city of Bauru
• Grantee: Isabella Claro Grizzo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master