Saúde bucal no contexto rural amazônico: os cuidados e práticas na comunidade ribeirinha Nossa Senhora do Livramento

Abstract

This research aimed to describe the care received by the residents of the riverside community Nossa Senhora do Livramento through the primary care oral health team, as well as to understand access to services and the traditional self-care practices developed in the territory. It is an observational, descriptive, quali-quantitative study conducted in a rural area of the city of Manaus, Amazonas, in 2024. Data collection was carried out through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, applied to 56 residents distributed across 41 families. Snowball sampling was used, and data analysis followed descriptive statistical procedures and thematic analysis of the interviews. The results indicate a population profile predominantly composed of elderly individuals (46.43%), low educational attainment (39.29% with only elementary education), limited household income (46.34% earning between R$1000.00 and R$2000.00), and high dependence on public services and social benefits (73.17%). Household infrastructure, although limited in some aspects, revealed stable housing conditions, with water supply from artesian wells (87.80%) and use of septic tanks (95.12%). Access to the basic health unit was shown to be highly influenced by the seasonality of the rivers, with a significant increase in travel time during the dry season, especially for residents of the most distant districts. Nevertheless, a predominantly positive perception was observed regarding the dental care received, with emphasis on the bond with the team, the frequency of health promotion actions, and the presence of the community health agent. On the other hand, shortcomings were identified in follow-up scheduling and gaps in addressing subjective demands during consultations. In addition, the recurrent use of traditional oral health care

practices was documented, especially medicinal plants such as Jatropha curcas (pinhão- branco) and Acmella oleracea (jambu), associated with toothache and inflammations,

reinforcing the coexistence of popular knowledge and technical expertise in the community’s daily life. The conclusions indicate that oral health care is constructed from multiple experiences, involving access to formal services, community practices, and adaptive strategies in the face of geographic and structural barriers. The study highlights the importance of integrative public policies that consider the specificities of the Amazonian territory, respect local knowledge, and strengthen the presence of oral health teams in riverside communities. Such strategies may contribute to more equitable, culturally sensitive, and effective care, promoting the right to comprehensive health.