Social and environmental inequities in dental caries among indigenous population in Brazil: evidence from 2000 to 2007

“Com dor de dente, tudo é ruim nesta vida!”: saúde bucal na comunidade indígena de Tremembé, Ceará, Brasil

Este estudo teve por objetivo analisar a importância do cuidado em saúde bucal de informantes da comunidade indígena Tremembé, em Itarema, Ceará, Brasil. Neste estudo exploratório de caráter qualitativo, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com seis adultos considerados informantes-chave da comunidade. As percepções mais presentes nos discursos indicaram o reconhecimento da importância no cuidado em saúde bucal, com foco na higiene dentária, necessária para a socialização. As falas relacionaram a valorização da alimentação saudável, associada à boa qualidade da saúde bucal, com a valorização do conhecimento tradicional como prática de cuidado. No entanto, os discursos apresentaram uma focalização na assistência clínica para adultos, em detrimento de aspectos educativos. As percepções revelaram potencial para integração de cuidados dos profissionais de saúde e dos atores sociais que possuem papel de liderança na comunidade indígena.

“With a toothache, everything seems to be bad in life!”: oral health in the indigenous community of Tremembé, Ceará, Brazil

This study aimed to analyze the importance of oral healthcare in the Tremembé indigenous community, municipality of Itarema, state of Ceará, Brazil. In this exploratory and qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were carried out with six adults considered key informants in the community. The perceptions most frequently found in the discourses indicated that the informants recognize the importance of oral healthcare and focus on dental hygiene, necessary for socialization. The discourses related valuation of healthy eating - associated with good oral health - to valuation of traditional knowledge as a care practice. However, the discourses focused on clinical care for adults at the expense of educational aspects. The perceptions showed that it is possible to int egrate the care delivered by health professionals with the care provided by social actors who have a leadership role in the indigenous community.

Community based programs to improve the oral health of Australian Indigenous adolescents: a systematic review and recommendations to guide future strategies

BACKGROUND

To review the international literature on community-based interventions aiming to improve the oral health of Indigenous adolescents and identify which demonstrate a positive impact.

METHODS

Data sources were MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, the COCHRANE library and the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet. Articles were included where they: were published in English from 1990 onwards; described oral health outcomes for Indigenous adolescents aged 10 to 19 years; implemented a community based oral health intervention. The Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies from the Effective Public Health Practice Project was applied.

RESULTS

Nine studies met inclusion criteria; two rated strong in quality; only one study was conducted with an urban community; five reported moderate community engagement. Five intervention strategies were identified, and schools were the most common setting reported. Statistically significant improvements were described in eight studies with the most frequently reported outcome being change in decayed missing or filled teeth.

CONCLUSIONS

Few good quality peer reviewed international studies of community-based oral health interventions which address the needs of Indigenous adolescents exist. Studies must include strong Indigenous community leadership and governance at all stages of the research, adopt participatory action-based research approaches, and are required in urban communities.

Epidemiological profile of caries and need for dental extraction in a Kaingang adult Indigenous population

ABSTRACT: Introduction: The epidemiological profile of dental caries for Indigenous Peoples is complex and heterogeneous. The oral health of the Kaingang people, third largest Indigenous population from Brazil, has not been investigated so far. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and severity of dental caries, in addition to the associated factors of the need of dental extraction among Kaingang adult Indigenous. Methods: A cross-sectional oral health survey was conducted among Kaingang adults aged from 35 to 44 years old living in the Guarita Indigenous Land, Rio Grande do Sul. Clinical exams were performed to analyze the conditions of dental crown and treatment needs. Results: A total of 107 Indigenous adults were examined. Mean DMFT score was 14.45 (± 5.80). Two-thirds of the DMFT score accounted for missing teeth. Anterior lower dentition presented the highest rates of sound teeth, whereas the lower first molars had the lowest. Need for dental extraction was observed in 34.58% and was associated with village location, time of last dental visit, and higher number of decayed teeth. Conclusion: The high frequencies of caries and missing teeth observed in this population indicate a lack of adequate assistance. It is essential to discuss health care models in order to combat avoidable social and health injustices.