Representations of child oral health care in northeastern Brazil

Abstract

Oral health care focused on comprehensive health for vulnerable children helps to develop better self-aware individuals, relying on the shaping potential of the subjects’ actions, attitudes and intentions regarding oral health or diseases and their ways of caring in place. This study sought to analyze the social representations of oral health care for vulnerable children. A qualitative and exploratory research was conducted with 26 children between five and 12 years of age, in a primary health care unit in Fortaleza, between May and July 2021. Data were collected by means of thematic drawing-story and investigated by interpretive and content analysis, using elements from salutogenic theory and narrative review evoked by social representations. Children portray toothbrushing as a routine or coercive habit, such as oral care. Oral self-care practices associated with playfulness, dental care and a variety of elements for the activity were punctual. In representations concerning the mouth, meaning is tied to the teeth and lips, related desires and ideals, the experience of caries and loss of primary tooth.