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A long-term effect of caries-related factors in initially caries-free children
Dilsah Cogulu1, Nazan Kocatas Ersin, Atac Uzel
1Department of Paediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Ege University, Bornova-Izmir, Turkey. dilsah.cogulu@ege.edu.tr
Aim:
The aim of this study was to examine the rate and pattern of early childhood caries development in caries-free children based on their dental plaque accumulations, salivary Streptococcus mutans levels, maternal sharing, oral hygiene, and feeding attitudes at baseline and at 24-month follow-up period.
Design:
A total of 92 children, aged between 15 to 35 months, comprised the study group. The children's dental examinations were first carried out at baseline, and 56 of them were re-examined 24 months later to determine the changes in dental status. The mothers were also interviewed at each examination based on a prepared questionnaire.
Results:
The prevalence of caries incidence was 45% at 24-month evaluation period among initially caries-free children. The new caries formation was mostly observed on occlusal and aproximal surfaces of maxillary molars (28% and 26%) followed by mesial, distal and buccal surfaces of anterior teeth, respectively. Significant correlations between dental caries formation and maternal sharing, S. mutans levels, and plaque scores were found.
Conclusion:
The results indicated that early S. mutans colonization, high plaque accumulation, and maternal sharing were important factors on a child's caries development.
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