Dental pain and associated factors in 2 to 4-year-old children in Goiânia.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence of dental pain and associated factors in 2-4-year-old children in Goiânia (GO). METHODS Cross-sectional study using home interviews with parents or guardians and anthropometric measures. The sample consisted of 385 children from 2 to 4 years old. The variables analyzed were: dental pain sometime in their lives, and demographic, socioeconomic and health-related factors (health condition, diet, nutritional status and behavior). Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were performed, based on a hierarchical model for risk assessment, considering the sample weights. RESULTS Dental pain prevalence was 9.9% (95%CI 7.4 - 13.1). After adjustment for other variables, children whose mothers had low education level and those who regularly consumed artificial powder juice containing sugar were more likely to have dental pain (OR = 3.03 and 2.15, respectively). CONCLUSION It was concluded that one in ten children had dental pain, and the prevalence was associated with low education level of the mother and the regular consumption of artificial powder juice.