CARIES Y PÉRDIDA PREMATURA DE DIENTES DECIDUOS EN NIÑOS DE 3 A 5 AÑOS QUE ACUDEN AL CENTRO DE SALUD VIÑANI EN TACNA, 2024

Abstract

Objective: To determine the relationship between dental caries index and premature loss of deciduous teeth in children aged 3 to 5 years attending the Viñani Health Center in Tacna, 2024. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, and observational study was conducted. The sample consisted of 173 minors attending the Viñani Health Center. A convenience sampling was used, considering as inclusion criteria children aged 3 to 5 years who attended the Viñani Health Center and whose parents signed the informed consent. Children with motor disabilities and those who did not want to participate in the study were excluded. To assess oral health status, the ceo-d index was used to measure the premature loss, prevalence, and severity of caries. Results: The prevalence of dental caries was 63.6%. Regarding the ceo-d index, it indicated that the severity of caries was moderate (3.35). Regarding premature loss, there was a prevalence of 63.6%, with teeth 5.4, 7.4, and 8.4 predominating with 12.5%. Conclusions: The prevalence of dental caries in children aged 3 to 5 years attending the Viñani Health Center was high, with a moderate severity
according to the ceo-d index. There is a high prevalence of premature loss of primary molars.