OBJECTIVE:to investigate the trends in the prevalence and severity of dental caries in 12-year-old schoolchildren between 1988 and 2003. METHODS:The study included secondary data of all epidemiological surveys carried out in 12-year-old children attending public schools in Goiânia, Brazil in 1988, 1994, 1998, and 2003. The city has had fluoridated water since 1985. Variables analyzed were prevalence of caries-free individuals (DMFT=0) and caries severity using the DMFT index. RESULTS:Percentage of caries-free schoolchildren increased 21% from 1994 to 2003. Mean DMFT index decreased 70% from 1988 to 2003. Mean values were 8.3 in 1989, 4.59 in 1994, 3.07 in 1998, and 2.43 in 2003. In all surveys the main components were decayed (in 1988 and 2003) and filled teeth (in 1994 and 1998). Between 1988 and 2003 there was a 81.9% reduction in the mean number of decayed teeth, 66.7% in the missing teeth due to caries, and 31.8% in the filled teeth. CONCLUSION:There was a substantial decline in the prevalence and severity of dental caries in 12-year-old schoolchildren from public schools in Goiânia from 1988 to 2003, following the national trend.
Dental caries; Epidemiology; Schoolchildren
