PRÁTICAS DE HIGIENE BUCAL ENTRE ESCOLARES DE DIFERENTES IDADES NO PIAUÍ: UMA REVISÃO NARRATIVA

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.6231125260215

• Palavras-chave: “Higiene bucal”, “escolares”, “Piauí”, “crianças”, “adolescentes”, “saúde bucal”.

• Keywords: “Oral hygiene”, “schoolchildren”, “Piauí”, “children”, “adolescents”, “oral health”.

• Abstract: The prevalence of dental caries among schoolchildren in the state of Piauí is alarming, reflecting a serious public health issue. Approximately 70% of children in Parnaíba had cavities, with a DMFT index of 2.25 among 12-year-old students, classified by the WHO as high prevalence. This situation stems from multifactorial causes, including limited access to dental services, low adherence to preventive practices, lack of awareness about oral hygiene, and inadequate habits—especially in lower-income communities. This scenario highlights the urgent need for interventions that promote oral health and reduce the impact of the disease from childhood. In this context, educational programs carried out in school settings have shown significant effectiveness, such as the UESPI ODONTO Project. Supervised toothbrushing, regular flossing, and dietary guidance have led to improvements in hygiene techniques and a reduction in dental pain among participants, in addition to encouraging a multiplier effect, where children share what they’ve learned with their families. Family involvement, through lectures and activities, is essential to the success of these initiatives, reinforcing that collaboration between schools, families, and health services is crucial for preventing cavities and promoting a healthier future for the children of Piauí.