Abstract
Our aim is to propose a novel family-based preventive programme (Early Smiles) that uses promotional and preventive early interventions in the family, to reduce the onset and severity of caries lesions in rural preschool children. After conducting a baseline cross-sectional study with 2-, 4- and 6-year-old children under traditional dental care (Control Group; n=101), a non-randomized community trial including children aged 2, 4, and 6 years from rural areas in southern Chile was devised (Intervention Group; n=107). Dental caries lesions were assessed using the ICDAS index and the dmft and caries significance index (SiC) were determined. Caries prevalence, the dmft, and SiC in 2-year-old children intervened in the Early Smiles program decreased by 73.11%, 81.50%, and 74.78% respectively (p<0.001). The number of cavitated lesions decreased significantly in 2- and 4-year-old children by 77.38% and 86.88% respectively (p<0.001). In the intervention Group, caries lesion severity in 2- and 4-year-old children presented less severe codes (ICDAS 3 and 4) than the control group. Interventions based on behavioural change, with the family, within the interdisciplinary health team, and early in life, seems to be highly effective in reducing the burden of caries lesions in 2-year-old children from rural areas.