Effectiveness of Different Preventive Programs in Cariogram Parameters of Young Adults at High Caries Risk

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of different preventive programs in young adults at high caries risk using Cariogram software. Methods Sixty-six young adults with high caries risk were evaluated. Dental caries risk for all subjects was determined according to WHO criteria. Subjects were divided into three different preventive groups (control: OH, fluoride varnish: FV, and chlorhexidine varnish: CV). They were followed for 12 weeks (baseline: T0, 1 week: T1, 4 weeks: T2, and 12 weeks: T3). Plaque index, diet frequency, and salivary chairside tests (to record the flow rate, buffer capacity, and mutans streptococci and lactobacillus counts) were performed at each visit. Based on these data, ten caries-related variables were collected and inserted into the Cariogram software to calculate the predicted chance of avoiding caries for each subject. Results Significant changes were obtained about the Cariogram parameters (diet, bacteria, susceptibility, circumstances, and Cariogram risk group). No significant differences were found between the three methods regarding mean Cariogram scores after 3 months (p > 0.05). Conclusions The regular and effective short-term (three months) use of 1450 ppm fluoridated toothpaste, one visit application of fluoride, and chlorhexidine varnishes were effective for reducing caries risk in young adults, which can be clearly demonstrated using Cariogram software.

Caries Risk Assessment in Adults Using the Cariogram

“…7 Although Cariogram software includes certain parameters that are used in the tool's algorithm, many studies have excluded or modified these factors. 21 The present study included all of the factors according to the Cariogram model because exclusion of saliva characteristics due to insufficient equipment (most often) does not account for one of the important components of caries risk -"Bacteria". 22 Dou L et al reported that in young individuals the exclusion of Cariogram saliva tests did not affect the predictive ability of the instrument.…”

Analysis of salivary level Lactobacillus spp. and associated factors as determinants of dental caries amongst primary school children in Harar town, eastern Ethiopia

“…in the major progression of dental caries [8]. In addition, risk factors such as host susceptibility [9], age [10], dietary habits [11], socioeconomic and oral hygiene status [12] have been associated with increased incidence of dental caries [3,13,14] in human population.…”

Knowledge, Attitude, and Barriers to Fluoride Application as a Preventive Measure among Oral Health Care Providers

“…Recent reviews suggested that with broader understanding of the disease's process, we can consider the dietary sugars to be the main cause of the disease and the other factors as causal factors that speed the disease process [ 29 , 30 ]. By understanding the disease's process in its broader definition, we can conclude that treatment of dental caries can be achieved through nonoperative procedures that include dietary and plaque control along with remineralization therapy [ 31 , 32 ]. In addition, the philosophy of “drill and fill” to treat the disease in early stages could dictate the dentist's treatment decision-making, and the concept of minimally invasive dentistry is still facing some obstacles to its application by some dentists [ 8 ].…”