The use of Cariogram to evaluate caries-risk profiles in orthodontic patients

This article describes the usefulness of Cariogram software in three orthodontic patients with high-, medium-, and low-risk caries profiles. Caries-related indicators and information needed for the Cariogram model were registered. The prebonding decayed and filled surfaces (DFS) indices for patient 1 (15-year-old girl) and patient 2 (18-year-old woman) were >5, while in patient 3 (15-year-old boy), the DFS index was <2. The data were entered into the interactive Cariogram software, which shows the various caries-related indicators. Patients 1, 2, and 3 had 6%, 58%, and 87%, respectively, actual chance of avoiding new caries. Patient 1 had high lactobacilli and medium mutans streptococci scores and a high caries risk. Patient 2 had a high DFS index and low buffer capacity, resulting in a medium caries risk. Patient 3 had low mutans streptococci and high lactobacilli scores and a low DFS index, resulting in a low caries risk. The Cariogram is available free online and is a useful educational model to illustrate a patient's caries risk.