Epidemiological profile of dental caries and periodontal disease in Nicaragua, 2005

Abstract

Cavities and periodontal disease are public health problems due to their effects: pain, functional impairment, decreased quality of life, and causing systemic issues such as airway obstruction, heart, brain problems, susceptibility to pneumonia, gastrointestinal issues, skin problems, immune system disorders, and chronic fatigue syndrome. These conditions put the lives of people with previously damaged heart valves at risk or can lead to premature births, which is why it was considered crucial to determine the epidemiological profile of these diseases in Nicaragua. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 1,800 people from the ages of 5, 12, 15, 35-44, and 65-74 years, from both urban and rural areas, of both sexes, using the criteria established by the WHO "Oral Health Research, Basic Methods" for epidemiological studies of dental caries and periodontal disease: 12 sample points. Results: Caries attack prevalence was 90.61%. Periodontal disease prevalence was 88.23%. Conclusions: The Nicaraguan population shows high rates of caries and periodontal disease, with no significant difference in caries prevalence between sexes, but it increases with age, being higher in rural areas. Periodontal disease prevalence is higher in women, increases with age, and is also greater in rural areas.