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An attempt to motivate improved sugar discipline in a 12-year-old high caries-risk group
Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology
|February 1, 1986
Insights
A simple counseling technique successfully reduced high levels of cavity-causing bacteria (lactobacillus) in children at high risk for cavities. This intervention led to a significant decrease in cavity development over one year.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Microbiology
- Preventive Dentistry
Background:
- Children with high caries risk often exhibit low salivary buffer capacity and elevated lactobacillus counts.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for managing early childhood caries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized counseling technique in reducing salivary lactobacillus counts and caries increment in high-risk children.
Main Methods:
- Identification of 12-year-old children at high caries risk based on salivary diagnostics (low buffer capacity, high lactobacillus).
- Implementation of a defined, standardized counseling protocol focused on reducing sugar consumption.
- Salivary lactobacillus counts and caries increment were monitored over a one-year period.
Main Results:
- A 79% reduction in salivary lactobacillus counts to acceptable levels was observed within seven weeks.
- A significant 66% decrease in caries increment was recorded over the one-year study duration.
Conclusions:
- Standardized dietary counseling is an effective strategy for reducing cariogenic bacteria in children.
- This intervention significantly lowers caries increment, demonstrating its clinical value in pediatric preventive dentistry.
Abstract:
Twelve-yr-old high caries-risk children were identified by a low buffer capacity and high lactobacillus counts in stimulated saliva. A defined and standardized counselling technic was used, by which the children were recommended to reduce their sugar consumption. Seven weeks later the lactobacillus count in saliva was reduced to an acceptable level in 79%. The caries increment decreased by 66% over 1 yr.