Caries Risk Assessment by a Cross-sectional Discrimination Model

Abstract

Although the prevalence of dental caries is continuing to decline, it still affects a majority of the US population and can be a serious problem for those afflicted. The objective of this project was to develop and perfect a model for assessment of risk of dental caries onset in children. In the first study, reported herein, a set of clinical, microbiological, biochemical, and socio-demographic variables was identified that distinguished, with an acceptable level of sensitivity and specificity, between children who had no previous caries experience and children who had high caries levels. A total of 313 children--age 12-15 years, 140 from a fluoridated community and 173 from a fluoride-deficient community--was selected on the basis of previous caries experience, either zero DMFS or high DMFS (> or = 6 in the fluoridated or > or = 8 in the fluoride-deficient community). Clinical exams for DMFS, dental fluorosis, and plaque were conducted. Stimulated whole saliva was collected for analysis of mutans streptococci, lactobacilli, total viable flora, and fluoride concentration. A questionnaire was used for collection of demographic data as well as information on prior fluoride exposure, dietary habits, and oral hygiene practices. By means of discriminant analyses, with use of seven key clinical and laboratory variables, it was possible for zero-DMFS subjects to e classified correctly (specificity) in 77.6% of cases in the fluoridated community and in 86.1% of cases in the fluoride-deficient community. High-caries subjects were classified as such (sensitivity) in 79.3% and 88.1% of cases, respectively.

Evaluation of the ions release / incorporation of the prototype S-PRG filler-containing endodontic sealer

“…In previous studies, the calcium and hydroxyl groups of the hydroxyapatite in tooth hard tissue were reportedly substituted by F and Sr ions, forming strontium apatite 11,12) and fluoroapatite [12][13][14][15] , respectively, which increased the acid resistance of the tooth structure 16) . Sr and Ca are homologous elements, and Sr is thought to promote calcification of the tooth hard tissue as a substitute for Ca.…”

Fluoride release from fluoride varnish under in vitro and in vivo conditions

“…Based on in vitro studies, fluoride levels exceeding 0.03 ppm in the surrounding solutions of the dental hard tissues result in caries prevention. [17][18][19] The main cariostatic mechanism of fluoride varnish is the formation of calcium fluoride-like globules as well as fluoride uptake into the enamel with fluorapatite formation. The deposited globules act as a fluoride reservoir releasing over time calcium and fluoride ions during acids attack, and providing durable cariostatic effect.…”

Caries Patterns in Primary Dentition in 3-, 5- and 7-Year-Old Children: Spatial Correlation and Preventive Consequences

“…In the construction of caries prediction models a lot of either direct or indirect causal factors are combined, e.g. oral hygiene level, reported oral hygiene habits, use of fluorides, dietary habits, socio-demographic and economic status, educational level and past caries experience [Bader et al, 1986;Abernathy et al, 1987;Steiner et al, 1992;Beck et al, 1992;Leverett et al, 1993;Hausen, 1997;Beck, 1998;Vanobbergen et al, 2001].Concerning the indirect causal factors, detailed information on the intra-oral distribution of lesions and on caries patterns can be useful, especially when specific patterns can be associated with specific aetiologies. This knowledge can then be used for improving the assess-…”