Prevalencia de caries dental en adolescentes deportistas federados en el cantón Azogues provincia del Cañar-2025.

Abstract

Introduction: In the sports context, athletes present a high prevalence of oral diseases (caries, erosion, and dental trauma). However, in Ecuador, specific data on these types of conditions in adolescents who practice sports are not yet available. Objective: To determine the prevalence of dental caries in adolescent athletes registered with sports federations in the canton of Azogues, Cañar province, Ecuador. Methodology: The research followed a quantitative approach with an observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional design. It was conducted with 171 adolescents aged 14 to 17 years, clinically evaluated according to WHO (World Health Organization) criteria. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. Results: Sixty-three percent of participants presented dental caries, of which 55% demonstrated a high risk according to the DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) index. The findings also showed no significant association with age or sex; however, there was a significant association with the type of sport practiced. Conclusion: It is concluded that the prevalence of dental caries among federated adolescent athletes in the canton of Azogues, province of Cañar, represents a significant oral health burden, highlighting a higher risk among athletes. Keywords: dental caries, adolescent athletes, DMFT, prevalence, oral health.