Oral lesions in young adults from 1982 Pelotas birth cohort

To investigate the prevalence of oral lesions in a determined population and the self-examination by the individuals help in the early diagnosis and treatment of buccal pathologies. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of oral lesions, the oral self-examination prevalence and its association with early life determinants in individuals from a cohort study. Methods: A representative sample (n= 720) of all 5,914 births occurring in Pelotas in 1982 were prospectively investigated and the oral lesions were assessed in 2006. The lesions were classified by the type of fundamental lesion, location and symptomatology. Prevalences and their 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) of interest variables were calculated. Results:The prevalence of oral lesions was 23.3% (CI 95% 20.3-26.6), with predominance of papules/nodules [32.0% (25.6-38.9)], ulcers [26.5% (20.5-33.2)] and erosions [17.0% (12.1-22.9)]. Gingiva was the most frequent site [35.0% (28.4-42.0)], followed by lips[21.0% (15.6-27.3)], and tongue [18.0% (12.9-24.0)]. Discomfort was the most reported symptom associated to the oral lesions [33.3% (26.2-41.1)]. From the total sample evaluated, 31% of the individuals (27.6-34.4) answered that they have never performed oral self-examination. Yet, children of mothers with high schooling at children birth performed 19% more the self-examination at age 24 than children of mothers with low schooling (p=0.01). Conclusion: Therefore, it was possible to conclude that there is a considerable prevalence of oral lesions in the studied population. Due to its importance, self-examination of oral cavity should be stimulated in order to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral lesions.