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Dental caries risk assessment and prevention
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, USA.
Dental Clinics of North America
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Identifying high-risk preschool children for dental caries is crucial. Previous caries history and salivary mutans streptococci levels are key predictors, guiding targeted fluoride interventions for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Caries Risk Assessment
- Preventive Dental Medicine
Background:
- Dental caries in preschool children shows declining trends but with significant population disparities.
- Early identification of high-risk children is essential for effective caries prevention.
- Previous caries experience and salivary mutans streptococci are established risk indicators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify reliable predictors of dental caries in preschool children.
- To inform targeted preventive strategies for high-risk pediatric populations.
- To evaluate the efficacy of different preventive measures.
Main Methods:
- Review of established predictors for early childhood caries.
- Analysis of risk factors including oral hygiene, fluoride exposure, socioeconomic status, and family history.
- Consideration of intensive home and professional fluoride therapies.
Main Results:
- Previous caries history, particularly nursing bottle caries, is a strong predictor.
- Elevated salivary mutans streptococci levels are significantly associated with caries risk.
- Inadequate oral hygiene, low fluoride exposure, and socioeconomic factors contribute to risk.
Conclusions:
- Targeted intensive fluoride programs (0.4% SnF2 or 1.1% NaF gels) are recommended for high-risk children.
- Professional fluoride treatments can supplement or replace home care for compliance issues.
- Dietary changes, plaque control, and sealants lack strong evidence for cost-effectiveness in this age group.
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