A PREVENÇÃO EM SAÚDE BUCAL DAS CRIANÇAS DE SETE ANOS NAS ESCOLAS DE CORUMBÁ, NA FRONTEIRA BRASIL-BOLÍVIA

Abstract

This dissertation investigated the oral health of seven-year-old children in schools in Corumbá, a Brazilian city on the border with Bolivia, focusing on the prevention of oral diseases. The overall objective was to analyze the oral health prevention practices of children in schools with students from diverse backgrounds. Specifically, we sought to compare caries prevention practices between children of Brazilian and Bolivian origin, understand whether the origin of oral health education impacted the prevention of problems, and discuss the difficulties faced in caring for children's oral health. Methodologically, the study combined quantitative and qualitative approaches, using questionnaires and observations to collect data. Six teachers and 155 guardians of seven-year-old students from the selected schools were interviewed. The research reveals that oral health is often neglected in public policies, especially in border regions, where cultural and socioeconomic diversity requires special attention. The analysis includes a comparison of cavity prevention practices between children of Brazilian and Bolivian origins, as well as the challenges faced by parents and teachers in teaching oral health. The study highlights the importance of integrating health policies between the two countries, emphasizing that care for oral health is fundamental to the well-being of local communities. The proposed action stemming from the research aims to promote oral health in schools through awareness campaigns and teacher training. The results may contribute to the formulation of more effective and inclusive strategies for promoting oral health in border regions.