This study investigated the impacts of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) on daily activities and work productivity in adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a supermarket chain in the state of São Paulo, which included 386 workers, age-range 20 – 64 years. Participants were examined for oral disease following WHO recommendations, and the oral health impact profile (OHIP) assessment was used to determine OHRQoL. Demographic, socio-economic, use of dental services, and OHRQoL data were obtained. Answers to the OHIP were dichotomized into no impact and some impact, and the relationship to OHRQoL was determined. Poisson regression with robust variance was performed using SPSS version 17.0. Dimensions with highest OHIP scores were physical pain and psychological discomfort. Sex (male: PR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.38 – 0.80), lower family income (PR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.04 – 2.12), visiting a dentist due to pain (PR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.57 – 3.43), tooth loss (PR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.09 – 2.32), and needing treatment for caries (PR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.09 – 2.32) were most likely to impact OHRQoL. Therefore, socioeconomic and demographic status and use of dental services impacted OHRQoL. These results indicate that oral health promotion strategies should be included in work environments.

Adults and elderly usually present an expressive tooth loss in household epidemiologic studies. Few studies were found to report oral health conditions in economically active adults. AIM: To describe the oral health status of adult workers in an extended range age (20-64 years old) of a supermarket chain. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in a company in the state of São Paulo. A total of 386 workers aged 20 to 64 years old were examined following the guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization (1997) with respect to caries, treatment needs for caries, and need and use of dental prostheses. Age was stratified into groups for analysis. A descriptive analysis was performed and tooth loss rate was calculated. Kruskal Walis and Tukey's tests were used for the evaluation of differences in DMTF and chi-square test was used for treatment needs. RESULTS:The mean DMFT was 14.6 (± 8.3), and differences were found among the 3 groups, mainly due to missing teeth. DMFT was 10.8 (±6.95) in the 20-34year-old group, 19.6 (±6.13) in the 35-44-year-old group and 22.1(±7.32) in the 45-64-yearold group. Significant differences in tooth loss rate were observed between the age groups (tooth loss rate ranged from 18% to 81%). Among the adults, 53.5% had treatment needs for caries. CONCLUSIONS: The younger adult workers in this study showed better oral conditions and an increase in tooth loss was observed in the older individuals. Considering common risk approach, dentistry should work together with health promotion for the studied population of workers in order to meet the oral treatment needs and prevent new tooth losses.

Tooth loss continues to be a prevalent condition in Brazilian adults and elderly individuals. The aim of this cross-sectional study, conducted among workers in a wholesale grocery chain in the State of São Paulo, was to identify risk indicators for tooth loss in adults. The presence of caries and periodontal status were examined in 387 adults aged 20-64 years, according to World Health Organization criteria. Two outcomes were analyzed: loss of one or more teeth, and loss of four or more teeth. Independent variables analyzed were demographic and socioeconomic factors, clinical conditions, use of dental services, and self-perceived oral health. Poisson regression models were used for multivariate statistical analysis. Participants were missing a mean of 5.38 teeth, and 76.9% (n = 297) had lost at least one tooth; the most frequently lost teeth were permanent molars. Older age and the presence of visible dental biofilm were associated significantly with the two tooth loss outcomes (p < 0.05). Individuals who had visited the dentist 3 or more years previously showed a lower prevalence of tooth loss (prevalence ratio = 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.91). Those with lower household incomes were significantly more likely to have lost four or more teeth (prevalence ratio = 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.70). Study results indicated that age and dental biofilm were risk indicators for tooth loss, independently of socioeconomic factors. These risk indicators should be considered when planning oral health programs for adults.

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram conhecer a prevalência da cárie dentária e a necessidade de tratamento odontológico, além da distribuição da cárie dentária na população que apresenta índices de cárie mais elevados em escolares de doze anos. Foram examinados 309 adolescentes, de escolas públicas de Indaiatuba (SP), em 2004, selecionados mediante processo amostral aleatório sistemático e os exames seguiram os critérios da Organização Mundial de Saúde. O percentual de escolares livres de cárie foi de 38,8%. Dentre os escolares examinados, 36,6% (n=113) apresentaram atividade de cárie. O CPOD foi de 2,50 (IC95%=2,07-2,93). O componente cariado foi o mais prevalente (61,0%). O coeficiente de Gini foi 0,602 e o valor do índice SiC foi de 5,97 (IC95%=5,32-6,62); neste grupo em especial, 74,7% (n=74) apresentaram atividade de cárie no momento do exame. Desta forma, pode-se concluir que os escolares deste município apresentaram baixa experiência de cárie; entretanto, não apresentaram suas necessidades atendidas, uma vez que a maior parte do CPOD era formada do componente cariado, aos doze anos de idade. No grupo SiC, verificou-se que este apresentou-se bastante elevado, sendo recomendadas ações direcionadas a este grupo específico de adolescentes.

The objectives of this work was to know the dental caries prevalence and treatment need, besides the distribution of the dental caries in a population of 12 year-old teenagers with high incidence of dental caries. 309 adolescents of public schools of Indaiatuba, São Paulo State, in 2004, were examined. They were selected by process systematic random and the exams followed the World Health Organization criteria. The percentile of school caries free was of 38.8%. Among the adolescents examined, 36.6% (n=113) presented dental caries. DMFT was of 2.50 (IC95%=2.07-2.93). The decayed component was the highest (61.0%). The coefficient of Gini was 0.602 and SiC value was of 5.97 (IC95%=5.32-6.62); in this group especially, 74.7% (n=74) presented dental caries activity in the moment of the exam. Thus, it can be concluded that the adolescents of this city presented low dental caries experience; however, their needs were not assisted, once most of DMFT was formed of the decayed component at 12 years old. In the group SiC, it was verified that this came quite high, being recommended actions addressed to this specific group of adolescents.

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram conhecer a prevalência da cárie dentária e a necessidade de tratamento odontológico, além da distribuição da cárie dentária na população que apresenta índices de cárie mais elevados em escolares de doze anos. Foram examinados 309 adolescentes, de escolas públicas de Indaiatuba (SP), em 2004, selecionados mediante processo amostral aleatório sistemático e os exames seguiram os critérios da Organização Mundial de Saúde. O percentual de escolares livres de cárie foi de 38,8%. Dentre os escolares examinados, 36,6% (n=113) apresentaram atividade de cárie. O CPOD foi de 2,50 (IC95%=2,07-2,93). O componente cariado foi o mais prevalente (61,0%). O coeficiente de Gini foi 0,602 e o valor do índice SiC foi de 5,97 (IC95%=5,32-6,62); neste grupo em especial, 74,7% (n=74) apresentaram atividade de cárie no momento do exame. Desta forma, pode-se concluir que os escolares deste município apresentaram baixa experiência de cárie; entretanto, não apresentaram suas necessidades atendidas, uma vez que a maior parte do CPOD era formada do componente cariado, aos doze anos de idade. No grupo SiC, verificou-se que este apresentou-se bastante elevado, sendo recomendadas ações direcionadas a este grupo específico de adolescentes.

The objectives of this work was to know the dental caries prevalence and treatment need, besides the distribution of the dental caries in a population of 12 year-old teenagers with high incidence of dental caries. 309 adolescents of public schools of Indaiatuba, São Paulo State, in 2004, were examined. They were selected by process systematic random and the exams followed the World Health Organization criteria. The percentile of school caries free was of 38.8%. Among the adolescents examined, 36.6% (n=113) presented dental caries. DMFT was of 2.50 (IC95%=2.07-2.93). The decayed component was the highest (61.0%). The coefficient of Gini was 0.602 and SiC value was of 5.97 (IC95%=5.32-6.62); in this group especially, 74.7% (n=74) presented dental caries activity in the moment of the exam. Thus, it can be concluded that the adolescents of this city presented low dental caries experience; however, their needs were not assisted, once most of DMFT was formed of the decayed component at 12 years old. In the group SiC, it was verified that this came quite high, being recommended actions addressed to this specific group of adolescents.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a associação entre ter vinte ou mais dentes e variáveis sócio-demográficas, econômicas, de uso de serviços odontológicos e de autopercepção de saúde bucal. Este trabalho foi um estudo transversal em adultos de 35 a 44 anos, em cidades representativas do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Além do exame, os pesquisados responderam a uma entrevista. Foram examinados 1.612 adultos. A análise dos dados se restringiu aos indivíduos dentados, divididos em dois grupos (1-19 dentes e 20 ou mais dentes). Foi usado o teste qui-quadrado e regressão logística (p < 0,05). A maioria (72,1%) apresentou mais de vinte dentes. Verificou-se que a menor escolaridade apresentou forte associação com a maior falta de elementos dentários; além disso, o fato de ser mulher, ter mais idade, morar na região rural, ter cinco pessoas ou mais residindo na mesma casa, ter renda familiar baixa, buscar atendimento em rede pública e ir ao dentista motivado por dor foram diretamente relacionados com mais dentes ausentes.

This cross-sectional study investigated the association between the presence of 20 or more teeth and sociodemographic and economic variables, use of dental care, and self-perceived oral health in adults. The sample consisted of 1,612 individuals aged 35 to 44 years, representative of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. In addition to the dental examination, subjects answered a questionnaire. Analysis in this study was limited to dentate individuals, divided into two groups (1 to 19 versus 20 or more teeth). The chi-square test and logistic regression were used (p < 0.05). Most individuals (72.1%) had more than 20 teeth. Less schooling was heavily associated with tooth loss, as were female gender, older age, rural residence, 5 or more people in the same household, low income, seeking treatment in the public health system, and seeking care due to toothache.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a associação entre ter vinte ou mais dentes e variáveis sócio-demográficas, econômicas, de uso de serviços odontológicos e de autopercepção de saúde bucal. Este trabalho foi um estudo transversal em adultos de 35 a 44 anos, em cidades representativas do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Além do exame, os pesquisados responderam a uma entrevista. Foram examinados 1.612 adultos. A análise dos dados se restringiu aos indivíduos dentados, divididos em dois grupos (1-19 dentes e 20 ou mais dentes). Foi usado o teste qui-quadrado e regressão logística (p < 0,05). A maioria (72,1%) apresentou mais de vinte dentes. Verificou-se que a menor escolaridade apresentou forte associação com a maior falta de elementos dentários; além disso, o fato de ser mulher, ter mais idade, morar na região rural, ter cinco pessoas ou mais residindo na mesma casa, ter renda familiar baixa, buscar atendimento em rede pública e ir ao dentista motivado por dor foram diretamente relacionados com mais dentes ausentes.

This cross-sectional study investigated the association between the presence of 20 or more teeth and sociodemographic and economic variables, use of dental care, and self-perceived oral health in adults. The sample consisted of 1,612 individuals aged 35 to 44 years, representative of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. In addition to the dental examination, subjects answered a questionnaire. Analysis in this study was limited to dentate individuals, divided into two groups (1 to 19 versus 20 or more teeth). The chi-square test and logistic regression were used (p < 0.05). Most individuals (72.1%) had more than 20 teeth. Less schooling was heavily associated with tooth loss, as were female gender, older age, rural residence, 5 or more people in the same household, low income, seeking treatment in the public health system, and seeking care due to toothache.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze dental caries experience of adults living in the southeastern state of São Paulo, Brazil, according to some socio-demographic conditions of this population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 1,159 school teachers and workers (35 to 44 years old) from 29 cities of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. RESULTS: 92.3% were dentate and the DMFT index (number of decayed, missing and filled teeth) was 21.0 and the mean number of decayed teeth was 1.1, with no significant difference among adults from regions with and without fluoridation. Male subjects presented the highest mean values of "D" (decayed teeth) and "M" (missing teeth) components. The percentage of caries-free subjects was higher among white subjects, as well as the mean number of teeth present in the mouth. The mean values of the "F" component (filled teeth) [9.81] and present teeth [19.3] were higher for adults from fluoridated water regions. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the worse condition observed was the early tooth loss in all groups. In addition, people with worse socio-demographic conditions had worse oral health conditions. It is expected that oral health programs targeted to this population could be established with the goal of improving the oral health conditions of this population and hence the maintenance of the teeth for a longer period in function.

This study evaluated dental caries according to the presence of natural teeth and sociodemographic conditions of an elderly population in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Examinations were performed according to the World Health Organization's guidelines. The sample of 1,192 elderly individuals aged 65 to 74 years was stratified according to the presence of teeth and the following variables: gender, race, age, city size and Human Development Index (HDI). The Mann Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests were applied at a confidence level of 95% for analysis of results. In the total sample, 68.9% (n=822) were edentulous; the mean of present teeth was 3.5 and the DMFT was 30.2, being 28.5 of missing teeth. Among dentate individuals (n=370), the mean of present teeth was 11.3, the DMFT was 26.2 and the missing component accounted for 20.7 teeth. The differences observed in the evaluated conditions should be highlighted: the mean number of present teeth was higher among younger individuals (from 65 to 69 years) [12.1] and among those living in cities with high HDI [12.9]; the DMFT was lower among men [24.9] and non-Caucasians [25.1]. Based on these findings, it may be concluded that specific dental programs should be established, with emphasis on oral health promotion and dental caries control, as well as public health policies that may enhance the access to the services provided.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar indicadores de prevalência e severidade de cárie em adolescentes e as necessidades de tratamento. MÉTODOS: Os dados foram obtidos a partir de levantamentos epidemiológicos em saúde bucal realizados no Estado de São Paulo em 1998 e 2002, com adolescentes de 12 e 18 anos de idade. A experiência de cárie foi medida pelo índice de dentes permanentes cariados, perdidos e restaurados (CPOD) e a necessidade de tratamento foi avaliada segundo critérios da Organização Mundial de Saúde. O significant caries index foi empregado para definir a experiência de cárie de um terço do grupo que apresentou maior experiência da doença. Para a idade de 12 anos, os exames ocorreram em escolas públicas e privadas, em 1998 (N=9.327) e 2002 (N=5.782), enquanto que os adolescentes de 18 anos, em 2002, foram examinados em seus domicílios (N=5195, em 1998 e N=257 em 2002). RESULTADOS: Aos 12 anos de idade, o índice CPOD foi de 3,72 em 1998 e de 2,52 em 2002, enquanto que aos 18 anos foi de 8,64 e 7,13, respectivamente. O significant caries index aos 12 anos foi de 7,40 (1998) e 5,62 (2002), aos 18 anos foi de 15,05 e 12,19, respectivamente. Aos 12 anos observou-se aumento de necessidades de restaurações de uma superfície (p<0,0001) e de selantes aos 18 anos (p<0,0001). CONCLUSÕES: Verificou-se que houve declínio da cárie entre os adolescentes e a maioria das necessidades de tratamento odontológicas foram de baixa complexidade.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate indicators of prevalence and severity of dental caries and treatment needs in adolescents. METHODS: Data were obtained from oral health epidemiological surveys carried out in the state of Sao Paulo with adolescents from 12 to 18 years old. Dental caries experience was assessed using DMFT Index and the need for treatment was assessed using World Health Organization criteria. Significant caries index was used to define dental caries experience of one third of the group that presented greater experience of the disease. For 12-year-old group, examinations occurred in public and private schools, in 1998 (N=9,327) and 2002 (N=5,782), while 18-year-old group was examined in their households (N=5,195 in 1998 and N=257 in 2002). RESULTS: At 12 years old, DMFT index was 3.72 in 1998 and 2.52 in 2002, whereas at 18 years old, it was 8.64 and 7.13, respectively. Significant caries index at 12 was 7.40 (1998) and 5.62 (2002), at 18 it was 15.05 and 12.19, respectively. There was an increase in the need for surface restorative care at 12 year old (p<0.0001) and of sealants at 18 year old (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: There was a decrease in dental caries among adolescents and most dental treatment needs were little complex.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar indicadores de prevalência e severidade de cárie em adolescentes e as necessidades de tratamento. MÉTODOS: Os dados foram obtidos a partir de levantamentos epidemiológicos em saúde bucal realizados no Estado de São Paulo em 1998 e 2002, com adolescentes de 12 e 18 anos de idade. A experiência de cárie foi medida pelo índice de dentes permanentes cariados, perdidos e restaurados (CPOD) e a necessidade de tratamento foi avaliada segundo critérios da Organização Mundial de Saúde. O significant caries index foi empregado para definir a experiência de cárie de um terço do grupo que apresentou maior experiência da doença. Para a idade de 12 anos, os exames ocorreram em escolas públicas e privadas, em 1998 (N=9.327) e 2002 (N=5.782), enquanto que os adolescentes de 18 anos, em 2002, foram examinados em seus domicílios (N=5195, em 1998 e N=257 em 2002). RESULTADOS: Aos 12 anos de idade, o índice CPOD foi de 3,72 em 1998 e de 2,52 em 2002, enquanto que aos 18 anos foi de 8,64 e 7,13, respectivamente. O significant caries index aos 12 anos foi de 7,40 (1998) e 5,62 (2002), aos 18 anos foi de 15,05 e 12,19, respectivamente. Aos 12 anos observou-se aumento de necessidades de restaurações de uma superfície (p<0,0001) e de selantes aos 18 anos (p<0,0001). CONCLUSÕES: Verificou-se que houve declínio da cárie entre os adolescentes e a maioria das necessidades de tratamento odontológicas foram de baixa complexidade.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate indicators of prevalence and severity of dental caries and treatment needs in adolescents. METHODS: Data were obtained from oral health epidemiological surveys carried out in the state of Sao Paulo with adolescents from 12 to 18 years old. Dental caries experience was assessed using DMFT Index and the need for treatment was assessed using World Health Organization criteria. Significant caries index was used to define dental caries experience of one third of the group that presented greater experience of the disease. For 12-year-old group, examinations occurred in public and private schools, in 1998 (N=9,327) and 2002 (N=5,782), while 18-year-old group was examined in their households (N=5,195 in 1998 and N=257 in 2002). RESULTS: At 12 years old, DMFT index was 3.72 in 1998 and 2.52 in 2002, whereas at 18 years old, it was 8.64 and 7.13, respectively. Significant caries index at 12 was 7.40 (1998) and 5.62 (2002), at 18 it was 15.05 and 12.19, respectively. There was an increase in the need for surface restorative care at 12 year old (p<0.0001) and of sealants at 18 year old (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: There was a decrease in dental caries among adolescents and most dental treatment needs were little complex.

This study aimed to investigate root caries prevalence in areas with and without water fluoridation at the Southeast region of São Paulo State, in the adult population, employees of public and private schools, and elderly population. Epidemiological surveys were conducted according to the World Health Organization guidelines (1997), including 1,475 dentate individuals aged 35 to 44 years and 65 to 74 years, living in cities representing the southeast of São Paulo State, with (n=872) or without (n=603) fluoridated water supply. Statistical analysis was performed by Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests at a significance level of 5%. The prevalence of root caries was 15.6% for the 35-44-year-old age group and 31.8% for the 65-74-year-old age group . There were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) in the occurrence of root caries according to water fluoridation, although individuals living at non-fluoridated areas presented higher percentage of missing teeth; also, there was higher mean number of intact roots at fluoridated areas (p<0.05). Most individuals with gingival recession, both adults and elderly, did not have root caries experience. In this study, root caries prevalence was lower in areas with fluoridated water. Due to the reduced prevalence of edentulism and increased number of people keeping their natural teeth for a longer period, a future increase in root caries is expected, highlighting the importance of studies related to water fluoridation and its relationship with the oral health of adults and elderly, especially referring to tooth root.

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram verificar a atividade de cárie, além de conhecer a experiência de cárie (ceod), necessidades de tratamento e defeitos de esmalte em pré-escolares de cinco anos de idade. Examinaram-se 624 crianças de Indaiatuba, São Paulo, Brasil, em 2004, selecionadas por meio de processo amostral aleatório sistemático. Para medir a experiência de cárie e necessidade de tratamento adotou-se os critérios da OMS. Para a atividade de cárie, optou-se por uma simplificação dos critérios de diagnóstico de Nyvad et al. Na análise estatística utilizaram-se os testes Mann Whitney e qui-quadrado com nível de significância de 5%. 40,5% dos pré-escolares apresentaram atividade de cárie. O ceod foi de 1,62 (IC95%: 1,35-1,89). Entre os doentes (ceod > 0) o ceod foi 3,81 (IC95%: 3,36-4,26), ainda neste grupo, 91,4% das crianças apresentaram atividade de cárie. O índice de cuidados foi de 12,3%. Sugere-se que medidas de prevenção e tratamento direcionadas a essa população continuem sendo priorizadas, uma vez que as medidas de controle e paralisação da cárie em seus estágios iniciais são bem conhecidas. Além disso, recomenda-se cuidado direcionado aos pré-escolares com maior experiência de cáries.

This study aimed to verify caries activity and analyze caries experience, treatment needs, and enamel defects in 5-year-old preschool children in Indaiatuba, São Paulo State, Brazil. 624 children were selected by systematic random sampling in 2004. WHO criteria were used to measure caries experience and treatment needs. Nyvad et al. diagnostic criteria were used to analyze caries activity. Mann-Whitney and qui-square tests were used to analyze the results, with 5% significance. 40.5% of schoolchildren displayed caries activity. The dfmt was 1.62 (95%CI: 1.35-1.89). Among children with dfmt > 0, the index was 3.81 (95%CI: 3.36-4.26), and 91.4% of these children presented caries activity. Care Index was 12.3%. These results suggest that treatment measures and health promotion should continue to be prioritized, since the control measures and caries interruption during the initial stages are well known. Dental care should especially target schoolchildren with more significant caries experience.

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram verificar a atividade de cárie, além de conhecer a experiência de cárie (ceod), necessidades de tratamento e defeitos de esmalte em pré-escolares de cinco anos de idade. Examinaram-se 624 crianças de Indaiatuba, São Paulo, Brasil, em 2004, selecionadas por meio de processo amostral aleatório sistemático. Para medir a experiência de cárie e necessidade de tratamento adotou-se os critérios da OMS. Para a atividade de cárie, optou-se por uma simplificação dos critérios de diagnóstico de Nyvad et al. Na análise estatística utilizaram-se os testes Mann Whitney e qui-quadrado com nível de significância de 5%. 40,5% dos pré-escolares apresentaram atividade de cárie. O ceod foi de 1,62 (IC95%: 1,35-1,89). Entre os doentes (ceod > 0) o ceod foi 3,81 (IC95%: 3,36-4,26), ainda neste grupo, 91,4% das crianças apresentaram atividade de cárie. O índice de cuidados foi de 12,3%. Sugere-se que medidas de prevenção e tratamento direcionadas a essa população continuem sendo priorizadas, uma vez que as medidas de controle e paralisação da cárie em seus estágios iniciais são bem conhecidas. Além disso, recomenda-se cuidado direcionado aos pré-escolares com maior experiência de cáries.

This study aimed to verify caries activity and analyze caries experience, treatment needs, and enamel defects in 5-year-old preschool children in Indaiatuba, São Paulo State, Brazil. 624 children were selected by systematic random sampling in 2004. WHO criteria were used to measure caries experience and treatment needs. Nyvad et al. diagnostic criteria were used to analyze caries activity. Mann-Whitney and qui-square tests were used to analyze the results, with 5% significance. 40.5% of schoolchildren displayed caries activity. The dfmt was 1.62 (95%CI: 1.35-1.89). Among children with dfmt > 0, the index was 3.81 (95%CI: 3.36-4.26), and 91.4% of these children presented caries activity. Care Index was 12.3%. These results suggest that treatment measures and health promotion should continue to be prioritized, since the control measures and caries interruption during the initial stages are well known. Dental care should especially target schoolchildren with more significant caries experience.

Observa-se uma ocorrência maior de cárie radicular nas últimas décadas, sendo este tipo de lesão mais comum em adultos e idosos. Em virtude disso, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de cáries radiculares em adultos e idosos da região Sudeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Exames epidemiológicos foram realizados seguindo recomendações da OMS, sendo examinadas 1.475 pessoas dentadas, dos grupos etários de 35 a 44 e de 65 a 74 anos. A prevalência de cáries radiculares foi de 15,6% e 31,8%, respectivamente, para 35 a 44 e 65 a 74 anos. A média de raízes cariadas e/ou restauradas foi de 0,36 para os adultos, maior entre os homens (p < 0,01) e de 0,82 para os idosos, sem diferença no gênero. A média de raízes cariadas foi de 0,18 e 0,53, respectivamente, para adultos e idosos; em ambos os grupos os valores foram maiores entre os homens (p < 0,01). Em razão das condições observadas, ressalta-se a necessidade de mais estudos relacionados com a saúde bucal de adultos e idosos, sobretudo da condição radicular.

In recent decades there has been an increase in the occurrence of dental root surface caries, especially among adults and senior citizens. This study aimed to identify root surface caries prevalence in adults and seniors from southeast São Paulo State, Brazil. An epidemiological survey was carried out among 1,475 dentate adults, ages 35 to 44 and 65 to 74, respectively, according to WHO criteria. Root surface caries prevalence was 15.6% and 31.8%, for the 35-44 and 65-74-year groups, respectively. The average rate for decayed and/or filled roots was 0.36 for the middle-aged adult group and higher in males (p < 0.01), as compared to 0.82 for seniors, with no difference by gender. The average rate of decayed roots was 0.18 and 0.53 for middle-aged adults and seniors, respectively; in both groups the levels were higher among men (p < 0.01). Further studies on oral health, mainly on root surface conditions, are essential in both middle-aged adults and senior citizens.