Índice de higiene oral simplificado según el nivel socioeconómico en el cantón cañar 2024 de nivel medio bajo.

Abstract

Background: Several studies in Ecuador highlight the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) in children and adolescents, showing variations according to age and environment. Quinzo et al. (2024) reported an average OHI-S of 0.93 in 300 schoolchildren (6-13 years old) in Riobamba. Villavicencio (2016), in Cuenca, found an average of 0.73 in 12-year-old schoolchildren, with better results observed in boys. Amaris (2019), in Quito, found that only 21% of children (5-8 years old) achieved an OHI-S ≤1, which was related to high sugar consumption. Studies conducted in Cuenca reported better indeces: Vega-Ojeda (2016) found that 65% had good OHI-S values, and Mora Bravo et al. (2020) reported 90% in Chiquintad. Objective: To analyze the level of oral hygiene using the OHI-S and its relationship with the socioeconomic factor in Cañar Canton. Methods: A quantitative approach with a descriptive and cross-sectional design was used. A sample of 2,127 adults was randomly selected, and socioeconomic and oral health conditions were evaluated. The analysis included frequency tables and statistical tests using IBM SPSS v.27, following ethical principles. Results: The average OHI-S obtained was 0.56, corresponding to a “GOOD” rating. Dental plaque was present on 64.13% of the evaluated tooth surfaces (index 0.64), while calculus was observed in 48.47% (index 0.48), both indicators being classified favorably. Most of the population (77%) belonged to the lower-middle (C-) and middle (C+), socioeconomic levels, with lower representation in the high and low levels. It was observed that OHI-S deteriorated with age: children and adolescents showed better oral hygiene, while young adults, adults, and older adults presented greater accumulation of plaque and calculus. Keywords: Simplified Oral Hygiene Index, oral hygiene, dental plaque, dental calculus, socioeconomic level