Factors affecting oral health in children and adolescents in Ecuador

Abstract

Globally, the highest prevalence of caries in permanent teeth is found in the Andean region of Latin America. In countries such as Ecuador, the burden of oral diseases has shown an increase in recent years. The present study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with dental pain in children and adolescents aged 5 to 18 years in Ecuador, in order to base preventive actions to improve oral health in this population. Using the database of the National Health and Nutrition Survey, a sample of 23,621 participants was analyzed. The analysis included variables such as ethnic self-identification, region of residence, housing area, and maternal educational level, in addition to the economic impact of dental pain. The results showed that approximately one third of children and adolescents experienced dental problems that affected their quality of life in the last 12 months. The data revealed that dental pain, difficulties in chewing, speaking, and sleeping, as well as school absences due to dental problems, were common. Significant differences were found in the impact on quality of life associated with ethnicity, region, area of residence and maternal educational level. Residents of rural areas, indigenous people and children of mothers with basic education had a higher prevalence of dental problems. The conclusions highlight the need to develop preventive strategies adapted to risk groups, promoting specific interventions to reduce dental pain and improve oral health