Comparison of oral conditions between the Macuxi and Yanomami indigenous ethnicities

In the state of Roraima, Brazil, indigenous populations have distinct cultural habits and ethnic characteristics compared to those of the nonindigenous population. Changes in the oral health of indigenous people are critical areas of investigation for generating oral health indicators, which significantly influence the overall health of this population, given their fundamental role in the development of public health policies. Our objective was to compare the oral conditions of indigenous people of the Yanomamis (YANs) and Macuxis (MACs) ethnicities in the state of Roraima. A total of 148 indigenous people were evaluated: 83 (53.50%) YANs and 65 (46.50%) MACs. All indigenous participants were assessed at the Indigenous Health House (CASAI), in the municipality of Boa Vista/RR, and data regarding oral condition, DMFT index, periodontal indices, basic erosive wear examination (BEWE) index, and eating habits were obtained. Significant differences were found in the DMFT index, which was higher for MAC individuals than for YAN individuals (P<0.05). Periodontal evaluation revealed a significantly larger probing depth in YAN individuals aged over 35 years. Plaque index was higher for YAN individuals, with a significant difference noted in all compared groups. As for the BEWE index, no statistically significant difference was observed between YAN and MAC individuals. With respect to eating habits, YAN individuals consumed significantly more native foods, whereas MAC individuals consumed predominantly processed foods. Periodontal indices are affected by poor oral hygiene, and oral hygiene instruction and guidance are necessary and could help reduce the incidence of dental caries and periodontal disease.