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New coronal caries in older adults: implications for prevention
S O Griffin1, P M Griffin, J L Swann
1Division of Oral Health, Surveillance, Investigations, and Research Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, MSF10, Chamblee, GA 30341, USA. sig1@cdc.gov
Journal of Dental Research
|July 26, 2005
Summary
Coronal caries in older US adults is a significant issue, with an annual attack rate of approximately one new carious surface per person per year. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted caries prevention interventions for this population.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Dentistry
- Dental Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Coronal caries remains a prevalent oral health concern among older adults.
- Understanding the incidence and severity of caries in this demographic is crucial for public health planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and characterize the extent and severity of coronal caries in older US adults.
- To document the need for targeted caries prevention interventions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of studies focusing on coronal caries incidence, increment, and attack rate.
- Meta-analysis using a random-effects model to calculate summary measures.
- Heterogeneity testing and analysis of associated risk factors.
Main Results:
- Significant variation in incidence and increment of coronal caries across studies.
- Adjusting for examiner reversals substantially reduced study heterogeneity.
- The annual attack rate in adjusted North American studies was 1.4 surfaces per 100 surfaces, equating to approximately one new carious surface per person annually.
Conclusions:
- Coronal caries rates in older adults are comparable to or exceed those in children.
- There is a clear and demonstrated need for enhanced caries prevention services for the older adult population.