Authors: Piffer Silvano, Pedron Mariangela, Roberto Rizzello, Betta Marta.
Introduction: The prevalence of dental caries in childhood has seen a significant decrease in the last few decades. The monitoring systems allow us to know the progress of the disease over time and the other aspects that require improvement. The study reports the temporal trend of the oral health state in children residing in the province of Trento (north east Italy) and evaluated at the age of 6 years. The study also analyzes, on the birth cohort of 2011 and assessed in 2017, by family pediatricians, the association of dental caries on deciduous teeth with socio-demographic factors.
Materials and Methods: The source of the data is represented by the forms filled by the family pediatricians on the occasion of the 6-year health assessment. Since the birth cohort of 2008, family pediatricians have been involved in the surveillance of oral health in childhood. On this basis, the trend of the prevalence of free caries and the trend of oral hygiene procedures followed by children over time have been calculated. The factors associated with
the risk of decay of deciduous teeth have been analyzed with a multiple analysis according to the logistic model. Mother-related variables were retrieved using the Birth Assistance Certificate archive.
Results: There is a progressive increase in the proportion of caries-free children which is statistically significant. The prevalence at 2017 is 77%, higher in Italian than in foreign children. The proportion of children with optimal oral hygiene practice increased statistically significantly. The proportion of children who underwent fluoride prophylaxis within the age of 6 has been statistically significantly reduced. The proportion of children with at least one access to the dentist within the age of 6 recorded an increase in an initial period. The accesses for sealing the first molars have also increased over time with a statistically significant trend. Differences remain between Italians and foreigners. The presence of a mother of foreign nationality, a mother aged 24 or younger and a sub-optimal practice of oral hygiene are independent risk factors for the onset of decay of deciduous teeth at the age of 6.
Discussion: Family pediatricians can contribute to oral health surveillance in childhood. Family pediatricians can also play an important role, considering that he comes into contact with the child and his family from birth to puberty. It is necessary however integrate this professional into the network of local health services.
A revisit of the provincial program for the oral health promotion in childhood would seem necessary, improving the relations with schools and the interventions to the most vulnerable groups such as foreigners Women of childbearing age and during pregnancy should also receive special care, considering that the mother’s lifestyle can have significant impact on the health and behavior of the child.
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