Caries risk profiles in 2- to 6-year-old Greek children using the Cariogram

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Dental Public Health
• Oral Health Research

Background:

• Dental caries remains a prevalent issue in preschool children.
• Accurate caries risk assessment is crucial for targeted preventive strategies.
• Understanding risk factors in specific populations, like Greek preschoolers, is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine caries risk profiles in 2- to 6-year-old Greek children.
• To identify and evaluate the contribution of various risk factors to caries development.
• To utilize a computer-based program (Cariogram) for risk assessment.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 814 preschool children was evaluated.
• Parental questionnaires gathered data on demographics, health, hygiene, and diet.
• Clinical examinations identified cavitated lesions and white-spot lesions (WSL).
• Salivary mutans streptococci (MS) and buffer capacity were measured.
• Caries risk was assessed using the Cariogram software.

Main Results:

• 30% of children had cavitated lesions, and 26% had WSL.
• 28% tested positive for MS, and 26% had low salivary buffer capacity.
• 70% exhibited poor oral hygiene, and 83% had a cariogenic diet.
• Cariogram analysis indicated 26% of children were at high caries risk.
• Insufficient fluoride exposure and WSL were the strongest predictors of high caries risk.

Conclusions:

• Approximately one-fourth of the studied preschool children are categorized as high caries risk.
• Lack of adequate fluoride exposure and the presence of WSL are the most significant determinants of high caries risk.
• These findings highlight the need for improved preventive measures focusing on fluoride and early lesion management.