Risk factors associated with dental caries in infants

Abstract

Introduction: Dental caries is a multifactorial disease considered to be the most prevalent and costly disease in the world1, affecting 60% to 90% of children in the early stage2-5. The objective is to know the risk factors associated with dental caries in children. Methods: Studies were analyzed from 2010 to 2022, found in Pubmed, Scopus, Ebsco, Proquest and Sciencedirect. To carry out the systematic review, the PRISMA guidelines were followed and the risk of bias was carried out considering the criteria set forth in the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute - NHLBI tool. Results: Applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 232 investigations were selected and evaluated, choosing only 2 for review (n=4,536). The data from the studies were extracted and ordered according to study details, analysis methodology and results. Conclusion: The results obtained show that the risk factors associated with dental caries in infants between 6 and 12 years of age are caused by poor oral hygiene, level of parental education and S. mutans, since they were shown to be the cause. of dental caries. Likewise, it is necessary to provide and implement preventive, therapeutic and informative programs for the control of dental caries in children.