Caries risk profiles in Sardinian schoolchildren using Cariogram.

• OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to assess the caries risk profile in a group of Sardinian schoolchildren and to compare the outcome with their history of caries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using the computer-based program "Cariogram", 957 subjects aged 7, 8, and 9 years were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The children were examined to evaluate dmfs/DMFS and gingival conditions. Data on dietary and oral hygiene habits were collected and saliva was analyzed, including levels of mutans streptococci (MS) and lactobacilli (Lb). Based on the Cariogram profiles, the children were divided into five risk groups in accordance with "chance of avoiding caries". RESULTS: Almost 50% of the children had a low caries risk, while more than a quarter had less than 40% "chance of avoiding caries". A significant linear trend between the five Cariogram categories and dmfs/DMFS was observed in the three age groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Cariogram risk profile showed strong correlations to the caries experience of Sardinian schoolchildren and that efforts to reduce caries risk are necessary.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Odontologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Dentistry (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Child

Colony Count

Microbial

Cross-Sectional Studies

Dental Care for Children

Dental Caries

diagnosis

epidemiology

Dental Caries Activity Tests

methods

Dental Caries Susceptibility

Diet

Cariogenic

Female

Humans

Italy

epidemiology

Lactobacillus

isolation & purification

Longitudinal Studies

Male

Oral Hygiene

statistics & numerical data

Reproducibility of Results

Risk Factors

Saliva

microbiology

Streptococcus

isolation & purification

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)