Oral mucosal lesions in Indians from Northeast Brazil: cross-sectional study of prevalence and risk indicators

• Published in: Medicine (Baltimore) Vol. 93; no. 27; p. e140
• Main Authors: Cury, Patricia Ramos, Porto, Lia Pontes Arruda, Dos Santos, Jean Nunes, E Ribeiro, Livia Silva Figueiredo, de Aquino Xavier, Flavia Caló, Figueiredo, Andreia Leal, Ramalho, Luciana Maria Pedreira
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Wolters Kluwer Health 01.12.2014
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Brazil - epidemiology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth Diseases - epidemiology; Mouth Mucosa - injuries; Observational Study; Population Groups - statistics & numerical data; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Young Adult; Brazil
• ISSN: 0025-7974; 1536-5964
• DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000000140

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions, and their risk indicators in adult Kiriri Indians from Northeast Brazil. Clinical oral examination was performed on a representative sample of 223 Indians (age ≥ 19 years). A systematic evaluation of lips, labial mucosa and sulcus, commissures, buccal mucosa and sulcus, gingiva and alveolar ridge, tongue, floor of the mouth, and soft and hard palate was performed. Bivariate analysis was conducted to assess associations between mucosal conditions and age, gender, income, educational level, diabetic status, and smoking status. Mucosal lesions were found in 50 participants (22.4%). The most prevalent lesions were fistulae (6.2%) and traumatic ulcers (4.48%). Oral mucosal was associated with higher age (≥ 35 years; odds ratio [OR] = 1.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-3.76, P = 0.03) and lower education level (<9 years; OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 0.96-4.71, P = 0.06). Mucosal conditions are prevalent in Kiriri Indians and the presence of mucosal lesions is associated with advanced age and lower education. A public health program aimed at preventing and treating mucosal lesions and targeted toward the high-risk group is vital to improve the oral health status of this population.