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Caries risk profiles in two-year-old children from northern Sweden
Christina Stecksén-Blicks1, Pernilla Lif Holgerson, Svante Twetman
1Department of Odontology, Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden. christina.stecksen.blicks@vll.se
Insights
High sugar consumption in preschool children significantly increases their risk for future cavities. Reducing sugar intake is crucial for effective primary caries prevention in young children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Public Health
- Oral Health Research
Background:
- Dental caries is a prevalent issue in preschool children.
- Understanding caries risk factors is essential for effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify caries risk factors in preschool children.
- To graphically represent individual caries risk profiles using a computer program.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 125 two-year-old children was studied.
- Data collected via questionnaires on diet, oral hygiene, and fluoride use.
- Caries prevalence and oral mutans streptococci levels were assessed.
- A computer-based risk assessment program (Cariogram) was utilized.
Main Results:
- 6% caries prevalence and 18% had detectable mutans streptococci.
- 82% consumed ice cream and 97% consumed sweets weekly.
- Frequent sugar consumption was the most significant caries risk factor.
- 51% of children had a low probability of avoiding future caries.
Conclusions:
- Frequent sugar consumption is the primary determinant of caries risk in young children.
- Half of the preschool children studied face a high risk of future caries.
- Limiting sugar intake is a key strategy for primary caries prevention.
Aim:
To investigate existing caries risk factors in preschool children and to illustrate their caries risk profiles graphically with aid of a computer-based program.
Materials And Methods:
All 2-year-old children from a small town in northern Sweden were invited and 87% (n = 125) accepted to participate. Data was collected with a questionnaire concerning the child's normal diet and sugar consumption. Special care was taken to note the intake of sweet drinks and sugary between-meal products. Questions on general health and medication, toothbrushing frequency with parental help and use of fluorides were also included. The caries prevalence was recorded with mirror and probe and the level of oral mutans streptococci was enumerated with a chair-side technique. The obtained data were computerised in a risk assessment program (Cariogram) and a graphical profile of each child was constructed.
Results:
The caries prevalence was 6%, and 18% had detectable levels of oral mutans streptococci. The sugar consumption was strikingly high with 82% and 97% having ice cream and sweets once a week or more often. In 22% of the families, toothbrushing with parental help was not a daily routine. Of the children, 51% displayed a low chance (0-20%) of avoiding caries in the future. The frequency of sugar consumption was the most pertinent factor in the children's caries risk profiles.
Conclusions:
Half of the subjects exhibited a low chance of avoiding caries in the near future and the strongest single factor was frequent sugar consumption. Thus efforts to limit and reduce the sugar intake in young children are important measures for primary caries prevention.
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