Caries prediction and indicators using a pediatric risk assessment teaching tool

The goals of this study were to determine both predictability and risk indicators in a young pediatric population seen in a dental school clinic using a Caries Risk Assessment teaching tool. Assigned risk categories and factors for 140 patients were analyzed for relationships with future caries development using Logistic Regression (p < 0.01) and Chi-square analysis (p < 0.05). Among the group developing caries, variables and disease were analyzed using ANOVA Independent Samples Test (p < 0.05). Assigned-risk categories were significantly predictive with odds ratios (OR) of Moderate- and High-risk developing new caries being 5.41 and 28.64 respectively when compared with Low-risk. Significant risk indicators were diet, oral hygiene and the presence of caries and decalcifications. The risk assessment tool used in this study predicted future caries development. Through this method of assessment, caries risk indicators in the population studied were determined to be diet, oral hygiene and past caries experience.