Should tooth decay in primary teeth be treated?

An analysis of parents' knowledge

Abstract

Introduction/Justification: Dental caries is considered one of the most frequent oral conditions in childhood and also represents a significant global public health challenge. According to the SB Brasil 2023 Report, the caries experience index in five-year-old children (dmft) has a mean of 2.14 in Brazil, indicating that carious lesions still significantly affect the pediatric population. Its severity increases when there is no appropriate intervention, potentially progressing to pulpal involvement, such as inflammation, necrosis, and abscess formation, in addition to requiring more invasive therapeutic procedures. These outcomes negatively impact different dimensions of a child’s life, affecting basic functions, emotional well-being, and social interaction, as well as interfering with daily activities such as eating and school performance, and generating financial burdens for caregivers. Consequently, a significant association is observed between the presence of the disease and a decline in the quality of life of preschool children and their families. Nevertheless, some families still believe that primary teeth, due to their temporary nature, do not require treatment, especially when no evident symptoms are present. In this context, it is essential to investigate parents’ knowledge on this subject in order to identify possible gaps and support educational strategies aimed at promoting children’s oral health. Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate parents’ knowledge regarding the need for treatment of dental caries in primary teeth. Methodology: This study is characterized as a descriptive investigation conducted in the municipality of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Parents and/or caregivers of children participated in the study and were approached while waiting for care at the Pediatric Dentistry clinics of the School of Dentistry of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (FAO/UFMG). The sample consisted of 193 individuals responsible for children aged between 1 and 12 years. Data collection was carried out through interviews conducted by previously trained researchers using a standardized questionnaire containing questions related to demographic aspects, socioeconomic conditions, and family environment. To assess participants’ level of knowledge, the statement “Caries in primary teeth does not need to be treated” was presented, and participants were asked to indicate whether they considered it true or false. Subsequently, the collected data were organized and analyzed using descriptive statistical procedures. Results: A higher participation of female caregivers was observed (76.2%), and high school education was the most frequent level of schooling among participants (54.9%). Regarding age, the predominant group was between 39 and 61 years (51.3%), and most participants self-identified as mixed-race/Black (72%; n=139). It was also observed that a considerable proportion of participants did not receive dental care during pregnancy (n=123; 64.1%) and did not take the child to a dentist before the eruption of the first primary tooth (n=147; 76.2%). With regard to knowledge about the need for treatment of caries in primary teeth, only 7 participants (3.6%) classified the statement as true, while the majority (n=186; 96.4%) correctly classified it as false. Conclusion: It was observed that most parents demonstrated adequate knowledge by recognizing as false the statement that primary teeth do not require treatment. However, the presence, albeit small, of incorrect responses highlights the persistence of misconceptions, reinforcing the need for continuous educational actions aimed at guiding parents and caregivers about the importance of the care and treatment of primary teeth.