INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH ON THE PREVALENCE OF CARIES IN BRAZILIAN CHILDREN: A COLLECTIVE LOOK AT EQUITY

Abstract

Dental caries in children continues to be one of the most relevant oral health problems in Brazil, reflecting a context of deep and historically rooted social inequalities. This article proposes a critical analysis of the influence of Social Determinants of Health (SDH) on the prevalence of caries in childhood, with emphasis on factors such as family income, level of education of caregivers, housing conditions, and equitable access to oral health services. Through a narrative review of the most up-to-date scientific literature, the interrelationships between these determinants and the distribution pattern of dental caries in different regions of the country are explored, highlighting the marked geographic and socioeconomic disparities. The analysis reveals that SDH not only directly influence the risk of developing caries, but also modulate access to preventive and therapeutic actions, configuring themselves as structuring elements in the determination of children's oral health. Therefore, the need for intersectoral strategies and integrated public policies that promote social justice and equity in health is reinforced.