Carious lesions in schoolchildren: clinical findings from a health brigade at Andrés Iduarte Primary School

Abstract

Introduction: Mexico has a high prevalence of dental caries, influenced by biological, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors. To assess the oral health status of schoolchildren, a study was conducted at Andrés Iduarte Primary School in Mexico City. Objective: To determine the prevalence of clinical alterations in the school population and to promote scientific production and student training in field research. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 174 schoolchildren aged 5 to 13 years, with parental consent. Variables recorded included age, gender, presence of dental caries (ICDAS, activity), hypomineralization, incisal wear, malocclusions, and other alterations. Results: The sample consisted of 50% girls and 50% boys. Hypomineralization was observed in 13% of cases. ICDAS code 04 predominated in both dentitions, with greater frequency in primary teeth. In girls, tooth 85 showed the highest prevalence of active carious lesions (ICDAS 02), whereas in boys, teeth 55 and 54 were most affected (ICDAS 04). In permanent dentition, tooth 36 showed the highest prevalence of active carious lesions in boys. Conclusions: Dental caries remains a health problem among schoolchildren, with greater involvement in primary teeth. Findings highlight the need for preventive strategies directed at the school population, aiming to change habits and lifestyles to improve long-term oral health.