Dental Caries and its Association With Sociodemographics, Erosion, and Diet in Schoolchildren from Southeast Brazil

Purposes: The purposes of this study were to determine the prevalence of caries in a sample of Brazilian schoolchildren, test associations between caries, sociodemographics, and erosion, and investigate potential dietary factors common to both conditions. Methods: Brazilian schoolchildren (13-14 years old) completed a questionnaire to provide dietary information and underwent dental examination. Sociodemographic characteristics were collected using a questionnaire completed by parents/guardians. Caries was assessed using decayed, missing, filled teeth/surfaces (DMFT/DMFS) indices. Erosion was assessed using a previously validated index. Results: Of 458 schoolchildren, 78% had caries experience. A statistically significantly lower prevalence of caries was observed in children from a higher economic class and whose parents had higher educational levels. Thirty-five percent of children with caries also had erosion, while 32% with a DMFT of 0 had erosion (P=.72). The frequency of consumption of drinks and foods was not statistically significantly associated with caries. The intake of sugared carbonated drinks was statistically significantly associated with erosion (P=.01). The mothers' educational level was the only variable independently associated with caries experience (P=.04). Conclusions: Dental caries was associated with sociodemographics, but not with erosion. There were no dietary factors identified in common for caries and erosion.