Influencia del entorno familiar en la salud bucal y la caries cavitacional infantil

Abstract

Introduction: oral health in children is a key pillar of overall well-being, mediated by a complex interaction of biological, social, and systemic factors. Among these, family functioning becomes a critical determinant, as it modulates hygiene habits and other preventive behaviors that influence the prevalence of dental caries. Objective: to determine the relationship between family functioning and the presence of cavitated dental caries in children aged 8 to 12 years treated at a health facility during 2025-2026. Method: a cross-sectional, analytical, observational study was conducted with a sample of 123 children. Sociodemographic information was collected, and after obtaining informed consent from the parents and assent from the children, the Family APGAR questionnaire was administered to assess family functioning. A clinical examination was also performed to identify the presence of cavitated caries. The analysis included descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis using the chi-square test, with estimation of prevalence ratios (PR). This study is considered low-risk and was approved and reviewed by an ethics committee. Results: a higher proportion of females (53.7%) and a predominance of socioeconomic stratum 3 (29.3%) were observed. The prevalence of cavitated caries was 55.3%, indicating a high frequency of the disease. In the study population (123 children), the majority of participants belonged to functional families (82.9%). Furthermore, caries was 46% more prevalent in children with family dysfunction than in those without this condition (PR=1.46; 95% CI: 1.18–1.80). Conclusion: family functioning significantly influences children's oral health; family dysfunction is associated with a higher probability of caries, highlighting the importance of preventive strategies that involve the family.