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Galeord Huacasi^*✉ , Henry Quispe-Cruz , Jhony Rodriguez , Wilbert Arocutipa , Carlos-Vidal Cutimbo-Quispe

1. Department of Dentristy, Universidad Nacional del Altiplano de Puno, Puno, Perú.

Abstract

The oral health status of secondary school students in high-altitude regions of Perú presents unique challenges, requiring specific epidemiological insights. This study evaluates the prevalence of dental caries, periodontal disease, and malocclusion in a sample of 222 students from 7 provinces from Puno, Perú. Caries were highly prevalent, with a mean of 6.6 lesions per student, ranging from 0 to 18, reflecting significant variability. Periodontal health showed 3.5 sites with probing depths ≥3mm on average, while clinical attachment loss (NICM3mm) was less common, averaging 0.43 affected sites per student. Gingivitis affected 70.3% of the population, and only 18.5% displayed signs of periodontitis. Orthodontic issues were widespread, with 73% of students exhibiting malocclusion, the most common type being Class II. These findings underscore the importance of early intervention, especially in caries management and orthodontic treatment. These results could be attributed to variables including altitude, dietary deficits, and restricted access to specialised dental care. Planning for public health and allocating resources—which aim to reduce long-term issues and enhance overall dental health—needs an understanding of this population's oral health profile. This study highlights the necessity of more comprehensive dental care accessibility, preventive measures, and focused educational initiatives in order to lower the prevalence of oral diseases among adolescents residing in high-altitude areas. Further research is recommended to investigate the role of environmental and socioeconomic factors in shaping oral health outcomes in these areas‎.

Keywords: Dental caries, Epidemiology, Gingivitis, High-altitude regions, Malocclusion, Periodontitis

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