Frequency of dental caries in patients of the dental clinic of the Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana

Abstract

Tooth decay is a complex pathological process of infectious origin that negatively affects dental structure. It is characterized by biochemical imbalances in dental tissues, if not treated can sause dental cavities and alterations in the dentine-pulp complex. Data by the World Health Organization indicate that prevalence ranges between 60-90% in young age people and almost 100% in adults. Here we present a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted, between June 2016 and August 2017 at the dentistry clinic of UNITEC. Of the168 patients evaluated, 95% presented caries. The most affected teeth were molars. The molar with more caries was 2.7 with 94 caries, followed by 1.6 with 92 caries, 2.6 with 89 caries, 3.7 with 88 caries and 1.7 with 86 caries. Seventy-eight percent of patients use a toothbrush and only 32% use dental floss. It is necessary to promote more dental prevention.