Objective:

To identify the factors associated with severe caries of the first permanent molar among adolescents from Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico.

Material and methods:

Cross-sectional study in a sample of 173 adolescents from first to third grade of a public high school. A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain sociodemographic data, socioeconomic level, oral health, toxic and dietary habits. Severe caries was identified based on the combined codes 5-6 of the International Caries Classification and Management System. A multivariate analysis was performed with CIETmap statistical software, which identified factors associated with severe caries with the prevalence ratio and its 95% confidence interval as an estimate of the strength of association.

Results:

A total of 692 permanent first molars were examined. The 54% of the adolescents (94/173) presented severe caries in at least one molar. Two associated factors were found, consumption of 6 or more cigarettes per day (RPa: 7.18, IC95%= 2.07 - 24.22), and use of oral hygiene aids (RPa: 0.41, IC95%= 0.34 - 0.78).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of severe caries was similar to that reported in other studies. Health promotion actions should be carried out to help reduce caries in this population.

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