Perfil familiar e incidência de cárie dentária em crianças de zero a cinco anos

Abstract

Dental cavity, an infectious disease that is independent of sex, age or social status, has a strong dependence on the child's environment, hygiene habits and nutrition. Most parents do not have information regarding eating habits and the oral hygiene of their children, which are important factors to prevent this disease. Health education seeks to inform parents, starting with the expectant mother, that there is a relationship between social class and socioeconomic status that interfere with the access to information. This study conducted a literature review to identify factors that influence the incidence of cavities in children ages zero to five years old (preschool age when children are under the exclusive care of their parents), and propose collective actions to address this problem. We collected articles on the subject and included only those published between 2003 and 2011. From the analysis of the articles found on the Lilacs, Scielo, and Bireme bases, it was concluded that the development of public policies to tackle the disease in children up to five years old must involve, besides health professionals, the community and family of these children, since they are responsible for the general and oral health care in this age group.