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The results of a study of caries in a 3 year old cohort of children performed by the CLACyD (Spanish abbreviation by initials for Nutrition, Growth and Development Program of Córdoba) are analysed. The prevalence of caries was 19.7% for boys and 16.1% for girls. Dmf-t and dmf-s values were 0.55-0.75% for girls and 0.73-1.22% for boys. The most affected element was the first mandibular molar (16.30% of the population). Extracted and filled elements accounted for 1.8 and 5.9% of the dmf-t index. According to the Caries Analysis System, a higher prevalence of the PF (pits and fissures) pattern and the AM (anterior maxillary bone) pattern was observed as compared to the PP (proximal posterior) and BL (buccolingual) patterns. The percentage distribution of BL lesions over all the patterns exhibited statistically significant (p = 0.05) differences between girls and boys. The PF and PP patterns were more severe in boys (p = 0.0006 and p = 0.002 respectively). Based on the present data we conclude that this population exhibits marked prevalence which can rapidly increase and pose a threat to temporary and mixed dentitions. We herein recommend preventive measures of widespread use (regarding toothbrushing, and eating habits with particular reference to carbohydrate consumption) and preventive-therapeutic treatments for diseased patients (topical applications of fluoride, sealing agents and active treatment of caries).

A one-year longitudinal survey was carried out on a sample of the Cordoba City 4-year old kindergarten population (n = 820); so as to determine the role of several variables upon the incidence of caries. The dmf-t, dmf-s, oral hygiene and oral health indexes as well as incidence rates and caries relative risks of caries were inversely related to the socioeconomic level (SEL) of the children involved. Thus in the SEL III (typical proletariat, non-typical proletariat and sub-proletariat) children, the relative risk of caries was almost five times higher (RR = 4.9) than in the SEL I (entrepreneureal and managerial bourgeoisie) children. In SEL I, almost all new lesions occurred on smooth surfaces (61.2%), while in SEL III the molar occlusal faces were mainly affected (66.3%). Daily sugar intake was higher in SEL III children but experience of caries showed poor correlation to the amount (r = 0.40) and frequency (r = 0.52) of carbohydrate intake. No significant interlevel differences were observed in the biochemical salivary parameters analyzed. Assisted toothbrushing and fluoride topications strongly lowered the incidence of caries among SEL III children, also making the corresponding rates fall almost to SEL I values (0.31, 0.23 and 0.22 vs. 0.21). In conclusion, SEL III children should be treated prophylactically with effective preventive measures, because of their susceptibility to caries. Such preventive measures include assisted toothbrushing and fluoride topications.