Advancing Dental Risk Profiling: A Literature Review of the Cariogram Model.

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Preventive Dentistry
• Oral Health Assessment

Background:

• The Cariogram is a widely used tool for assessing caries risk.
• It integrates clinical, behavioral, and microbiological data into a graphical display.
• Its role in preventive dentistry requires critical evaluation of its performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review the Cariogram's performance in preventive dentistry.
• To evaluate its reliability, accuracy, and clinical value.
• To explore its adaptability and limitations, and discuss future potential with digital technologies and AI.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of studies validating the Cariogram's predictive power.
• Comparison with standard caries risk assessment methods.
• Analysis of Cariogram's adaptability and limitations.
• Review of recent advancements integrating digital technologies and AI.

Main Results:

• The Cariogram demonstrates clinical value in planning interventions and patient education.
• It shows adaptability across diverse populations and settings.
• Limitations include reliance on subjective measures and demanding data collection.
• AI integration shows potential for enhanced personalized oral healthcare.

Conclusions:

• The Cariogram is a valuable tool for caries risk assessment and patient education in dentistry.
• Its effectiveness can be further optimized through digital technologies and AI.
• Future directions focus on making caries risk assessment more practical, scalable, and accessible.