Prevalence and determinants of oral conditions and hygiene habits in children from traditional communities in northeastern Brazil: a cross-sectional study

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Abstract
Objective: To assess the prevalence of dental caries experience, developmental defects of enamel (DDE),and visible plaque in children from two traditional communities in Brazil, and examine associatedsociodemographic, dietary, and clinical factors. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 40children (≤18 years) from two traditional communities in Sergipe, Brazil. Oral examinations were performedby calibrated examiners using World Health Organization (WHO) standard protocols. Sociodemographic,dietary, and clinical data were obtained through structured interviews with caregivers. A composite outcomewas defined as the presence of dental caries experience, DDE, and/or visible plaque. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to identify associated factors. Result: Overall, 65% of children presented dentalcaries experience, DDE, and/or visible plaque. Significant predictors included clinical comorbidities(adjusted Prevalence Ratio [aPR]: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.30–2.42), breastfeeding >12 months (aPR: 1.64; 95% CI:1.10–2.44), <3 daily meals (aPR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.04–2.87), and cassava flour consumption (aPR: 1.83; 95%CI: 1.04–3.25). Conclusion: Children from traditional communities showed a high burden of oralconditions, reflecting social vulnerability and food insecurity. These findings highlight the need for early,culturally appropriate preventive strategies focused on oral hygiene and nutrition.