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Caries risk profiles in orthodontic patients at follow-up using Cariogram
Anas H Al Mulla1, Saad Al Kharsa, Heidrun Kjellberg
1Department of Cariology and Orthodontics, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden. dr_anas_h_almulla@mac.com
Objective:
To analyze caries-related factors shortly after orthodontic treatment and to use the Cariogram computer program to describe caries risk profiles at follow-up in these patients.
Materials And Methods:
One hundred orthodontic patients age 12-29 years, with a mean age of 17.5 years, were included in the study. They were divided into two groups (50 in each) based on their prebonding decayed, filled surfaces index (DFS). High (5 > or = DFS) and low (2 < or = DFS) groups were created. All patients were examined after debonding in the following order: interview, plaque score, caries examination, saliva samples, bitewing radiographs, panoramic radiographs, and intra-oral digital photos. All types of carious lesions in both the enamel and dentine were diagnosed clinically and radiographically and included in the DFS index. A paraffin-stimulated whole saliva sample was collected for estimations of secretion rate, buffer capacity, and number of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli.
Results:
The low caries group (2 < or = DFS) displayed a statistically significant difference and low values for the following factors, DFS (P < .001), lactobacilli (P < .001), mutans streptococci (P < .001), and high Cariogram percent (P < .001). The plaque index displayed very close significance (P = .051).
Conclusions:
Patients with high (5 > or = DFS) numbers before orthodontic treatment ran a higher risk of developing caries. They had significantly higher numbers of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli and had less chance of avoiding new cavities according to the Cariogram.
