OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of dental caries and to evaluate the risk cariogenic factors in adolescents of the State of Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational, descriptive and transversal study was conducted. The sample consisted of 109 teenagers, with ages ranging from 14 to 16 years old, 50 male and 59 female. Their teeth were evaluated using the DMFS index (decayed, lost and filled on the surface); the study was conducted by a WHO criteria standardized dentist researcher, with an intraexaminator Kappa value of 0.96. A survey was also conducted to establish the risk factors related to dental caries. RESULTS: The DMFS results found were of 4.05 +/- 3.47. In males the DMFS was of 3.50 +/- 3.56 with the following distribution: DS 3.22 +/- 3.54, MS 0.10 +/- 0.58 y FS 0.18 +/- 0.72, while with females the DMFS was of 4.51 +/- 3.35, DS 3.86 +/- 3.21, MS 0.15 +/- 0.61 and FS 0.51 +/- 1.19. Dental caries is related to the following variables: gender, frequency of toothbrushing, attendance to the dentist and intake of sugared products. CONCLUSIONS: It is recommended to continue with the health promotion programs, as well as with the use of fluoridated products, emphasizing tooth brushing and a decrease in the intake of sugared products.
OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of dental caries and to evaluate the risk cariogenic factors in adolescents of the State of Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational, descriptive and transversal study was conducted. The sample consisted of 109 teenagers, with ages ranging from 14 to 16 years old, 50 male and 59 female. Their teeth were evaluated using the DMFS index (decayed, lost and filled on the surface); the study was conducted by a WHO criteria standardized dentist researcher, with an intraexaminator Kappa value of 0.96. A survey was also conducted to establish the risk factors related to dental caries. RESULTS: The DMFS results found were of 4.05 +/- 3.47. In males the DMFS was of 3.50 +/- 3.56 with the following distribution: DS 3.22 +/- 3.54, MS 0.10 +/- 0.58 y FS 0.18 +/- 0.72, while with females the DMFS was of 4.51 +/- 3.35, DS 3.86 +/- 3.21, MS 0.15 +/- 0.61 and FS 0.51 +/- 1.19. Dental caries is related to the following variables: gender, frequency of toothbrushing, attendance to the dentist and intake of sugared products. CONCLUSIONS: It is recommended to continue with the health promotion programs, as well as with the use of fluoridated products, emphasizing tooth brushing and a decrease in the intake of sugared products.