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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Eur J Dent 2012; 06(04): 415-421
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1698981
Original Article
Dental Investigation Society

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

Katerina Kavvadia
1   Department ofPaediatric Dentistry, Dental School, University of Athens, GREECE
,
Andreas Agouropoulos
1   Department ofPaediatric Dentistry, Dental School, University of Athens, GREECE
,
Sotiria Gizani
1   Department ofPaediatric Dentistry, Dental School, University of Athens, GREECE
,
Lisa Papagiannouli
1   Department ofPaediatric Dentistry, Dental School, University of Athens, GREECE
,
Svante Twetman
1   Departmentof Paediatric Dentistry, Dental School, University of Athens, GREECE
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
30 September 2019 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Objective: To assess the caries risk profiles in 2- to 6-year-old Greek children using a computerbased program and to evaluate the contribution of various risk factors.

Methods: The study group consisted of 814 preschool children. A questionnaire on family, demographic and socioeconomic factors, general health, oral hygiene and dietary behavior was completed by the parents. Children were examined for cavitated and white-spot lesions (WSL). Salivary mutans streptococci (MS) and buffer capacity were estimated. Caries risk profiles were assessed with Cariogram.

Results:Cavitated lesions were found in 30% of the children; WSL were found in 26% of those included. MS and low buffer capacity were detected in 28% and 26% of the children, respectively. The majority (70%) displayed neglected oral hygiene. Based on the questionnaires, 83% of the children had a cariogenic diet, and 17% did not use any form of fluoride. The Cariogram revealed that 26% of the children had high caries risk, while only 9% exhibited low caries risk. The most significant caries risk variables, determined by regression analysis (R2=0.88), were insufficient fluoride exposure (! =0.160) and the presence of WSL (!= 0.159).

Conclusions: One-fourth of the children were categorised as high caries risk. The presence of WSL and lack of fluoride exposure were the most significant caries risk determinants. (Eur J Dent 2012;6:415-421)

Key words

Cariogram - caries - mutans streptococci - preschool children - risk assessment
 

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