Evaluation of a preventive program based on caries risk among mentally challenged children using the Cariogram model

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Public Health
• Cariology

Background:

• Mentally challenged children often have higher caries risk due to various factors.
• Assessing and managing caries risk is crucial for this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess caries risk in mentally challenged children using the Cariogram model.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a risk-based preventive program over 10 months.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal field trial involved 54 mentally challenged children (7-17 years).
• Caries risk factors were assessed using the Cariogram model (diet, plaque, Mutans streptococci, saliva, fluoride).
• A tailored preventive program was implemented, followed by a re-assessment of caries profiles.

Main Results:

• A 57% increase in children categorized in the 'low caries risk' group was observed.
• Significant reductions in diet content, diet frequency, plaque amount, and Mutans streptococci counts were noted.
• Only 4 new carious lesions developed during the 10-month follow-up period.

Conclusions:

• The risk-based preventive program effectively improved caries risk factors in mentally challenged children.
• The program significantly increased the 'chance to avoid caries' from a baseline mean of 44% to 87%.