Introduction:

social determinants lead to health inequities that influence the appearance of diseases such as dental caries, a disease of high prevalence and considered to be of a chronic-infectious nature. Dental caries in children is a health problem that involves high health care costs for dental rehabilitation.

Objectives:

to determine the influence of socioeconomic factors on the appearance of caries in children.

Methods:

a review of the literature was carried out by means of a search for information in the SciELO, Scopus and PubMed/MedLine databases. The PRIMSA guide was used to prepare the report. Fifteen articles were selected for the development of the present study.

Results:

15 articles were identified that met the screening process and the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Articles with cross-sectional design predominated (11); China was the most studied setting (n=7). The most studied age group was children five years of age or younger. Only three studies found no relationship between socioeconomic factors and the presence of caries.

Conclusion:

socioeconomic factors have a direct influence on the appearance of caries in children. Low income, low schooling, unemployment and low social class were associated with the presence of caries in children. In addition, low family responsibility and low access to health services were risk factors for the development of caries.

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