[Polycaries in temporal dentition: a continuing problem].
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the different factors related to the presence of multiple caries (polycaries) in children less than 6 years old. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A study was carried out on 88 patients treated consecutively. The following factors were evaluated: age, sex, socioeconomic level, caries indices ("co" index), presence of protective factors, predisposition, dietary habits, and treatment performed. RESULTS: Polycaries was not associated with the sex of the patient, but it was associated with unfavorable socioeconomic level (60%), the absence of preventative methods against the caries (100%), lack of oral hygiene (97.7%) and dietary errors (78%). The "co" index obtained was 9.54. Ninety percent of the patients had to be treated under general anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Polycaries in the temporary teeth is an important pathology, avoidable with early preventative methods and hygiene and educating the parent about oral health.