Socioeconomic inequalities explain the association between source of drinking water and dental caries in primary dentition

To evaluate the association between source of drinking water and dental caries at age 5 to test whether socioeconomic conditions act as confounding factors in such association. The study was carried out a sub-sample 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort, which comprised application questionnaire clinical oral examination. exposure water, collected through question primary caregiver. outcome dentition, measured several standardized indicators decayed, missing filled teeth index (dmft), assessing past present caries. Socioeconomic (family income maternal education) were identified potential factors. After descriptive analysis, measures assessed by Regression models. 1,084 children evaluated had complete information all variables (83.2 % targeted sample). Dental experience observed 48.7 children, with mean 1.9 or teeth. Most consumed from public supply (76.0 %), pattern observed, lower more likely drink supply. In crude who bottled risk decayed teeth, less severe disease. No associations after adjustments for conditions. Underlying inequalities explained prevalence severity dentition water. Drinking fluoridated tap is effective prevention acceptable levels fluoride, advantage being accessible all. Oral health treatment should be implemented early life possible take into consideration family’s context.