[Comparison of clinical and microbiological parameters for determination of actual caries risk]

In 28 children and adolescents, age 4-17, the numbers of decayed tooth surfaces, filled surfaces and the extent of plaque coverage measured with a plaque scoring index were recorded as clinically assessible caries risk factors. Subsequently paraffin stimulated saliva samples were taken from the same subjects and evaluated microbiologically for their content of caries related microorganisms (S. mutans, lactobacilli). Statistical analysis of correlation revealed only weak, mostly not significant correlations between clinical and microbiological findings. The results are discussed.