Abstract
Introduction
Problems of dental origin can cause a strong impact on functional, emotional and social aspects of children, compromising them at school, in learning and in their physiological development.
Objective
Evaluate the associations between variables of socioeconomic conditions, oral health, habits and malocclusion with the school performance of 5-year-old children.
Material and method
The sample consisted of 753 children enrolled in public schools in the city of Araraquara-SP. Oral examinations were performed to evaluate the presence of dental caries and malocclusion. We also analyzed sucking habits, bruxism, socioeconomic status and quality of life related to oral health. Data were evaluated by descriptive analyses and logistic regression models, simple and multiple (p≤0.05). Odds Ratios (OR) were estimated, with 95% confidence intervals.
Result
Children from families with lower income (1.76 times), children with worse oral health conditions (1.93 times), children with poor oral hygiene behavior (6.6 times), and male children (1.48 times) were more likely to have worse school performance. There was no evidence of association between the variables of oral health, malocclusion and deleterious oral habits with the school performance perceived by the guardians.
Conclusion
Children from families with lower incomes, who receive financial help from the government, with worse evaluation of oral health and oral hygiene, males and who are cared for by people other than their parents were more likely to have their school performance compromised.
Descriptors:
Academic performance; oral health; malocclusion; habits; socioeconomic status