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Accuracy of a chair-side test for predicting caries risk compared with established methods. A pilot study
Birgül Azrak1, Christiane Gleissner, Brita Willershausen
1Department of Operative Dentistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. azrak@uni-mainz.de
Schweizer Monatsschrift Fur Zahnmedizin = Revue Mensuelle Suisse D'Odonto-Stomatologie = Rivista Mensile Svizzera Di Odontologia E Stomatologia
|June 19, 2010
Summary
The lactic-acid production on the tongue (LAP) test shows insufficient accuracy for caries-risk assessment. This chair-side test is not recommended as a sole screening tool for predicting future caries development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Dental Public Health
- Diagnostic Accuracy Studies
Background:
- Accurate caries-risk assessment is crucial for preventive dental strategies.
- Chair-side diagnostic tools can aid in timely caries-risk evaluation.
- Evaluating novel biomarkers for caries prediction is an ongoing area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prognostic accuracy of lactic-acid production on the tongue (LAP) for caries-risk assessment.
- To determine if LAP can predict caries increment within a two-year period in children.
- To compare the diagnostic performance of LAP with established clinical and subclinical predictors.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 35 children aged 6-8 years was studied.
- Baseline predictors included past caries experience, clinical examination (df-t1, DF-T1, df-2.mol, API), and subclinical markers (mutans streptococci/MS, lactobacilli/LB, LAP).
- Caries increment (delta DF-T) was assessed over two years, and prognostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity) was calculated for LAP and other predictors.
Main Results:
- The mean caries experience (DF-T) increased from 0.3 to 1.2 over two years.
- 15 children were categorized into the caries-risk group based on delta DF-T.
- Lactobacilli (LB) counts showed higher prognostic accuracy (65% sensitivity, 70% specificity) compared to LAP (33% sensitivity, 55% specificity).
Conclusions:
- The lactic-acid production on the tongue (LAP) test demonstrated insufficient prognostic accuracy for caries-risk assessment.
- LAP is not suitable as a standalone screening tool for predicting caries increment.
- Further research may be needed to explore combined diagnostic approaches for improved caries risk prediction.
