Predicting dental caries increment using salivary biomarkers in a remote Indigenous Australian child population

Abstract

Background The burden of childhood dental caries amongst Indigenous Australians is higher than in other Australians. Because of differences in lifestyle and the evolutionary history of the oral microbiota, associated risk indicators may differ. Here, we evaluate associations between caries increment, salivary biomarkers and baseline caries among children aged 5–17 years residing in a remote rural Indigenous community. Methods This study was part of a trial assessing cost-effectiveness of an intervention to prevent dental caries among children. Baseline epidemiology and application of topical caries-preventive measures was conducted in 2015, followed-up in 2016 and 2017. Children who did not consent or failed to attend the prevention visits but did attend for follow-up epidemiology constituted a natural comparison group for evaluating the intervention. Saliva flow, pH, buffering and bacterial loads were measured at all visits. Caries was scored by the International Caries Detection and Assessment system. Outcome was caries increment. Explanatory variables were sex, being in experimental or comparison group, baseline caries, saliva flowrate and buffering, pH, and salivary loads of mutans streptococci (MS), Lactobacilli (LB), and yeast. Chi Square tests compared caries incidence in relation to explanatory variables and Generalised Linear Models explored associations between explanatory and outcome variables. Results Of 408 participants at baseline, only 208 presented at 2-year follow-up. Of caries-free children at baseline, significantly fewer had incipient (p = 0.01) and advanced (p = 0.04) caries after two years. Children in the experimental group experienced fewer tooth surfaces with advanced caries (p = 0.02) than comparison children. Having caries at baseline (p = 0.02) and low salivary flow-rates (p < 0.001) saw a significant increase in advanced caries after two years. Children with high salivary loads of MS (p = 0.03) and LB (p = 0.004) experienced more advanced carious surfaces. Multivariable analysis revealed 58% reduction (p = 0.001) in advanced caries among children with high salivary flow rates. Caries increment was 61% (p = 0.03) more for incipient and 121% (p = 0.007) more for advanced caries among children who harboured higher loads of MS. Conclusion As with other ethnicities, children with low salivary flow and those with high MS had higher incipient and advanced caries increments after two years. Such risk assessments facilitate targeted preventive interventions for such communities. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), No: ACTRN12615000693527: 3 July 2015.

Risk factors of dental caries in the Thai population: The retrospective cohort study

“…These findings are consistent with previous studies that have highlighted the clinical importance of these factors in predicting caries risk. [ 4 21 , 22 ] Chaffee et al . [ 23 ] conducted a retrospective cohort study using data collected from electronic records at the university instruction clinic to assess the risk factors associated with future caries.…”

Portable Saliva Sensor Based on Dual Recognition Elements for Detection of Caries Pathogenic Bacteria

“…5 It has been reported that when the S. mutans levels in saliva are above 10 5 cfu mL −1 , there is a significant risk of severe damage to dental hard tissues, which can accelerate the development of dental caries. 6,7 As such, S. mutans can be used as a general bacterial marker to predict dental caries. A series of in-mouth devices have been fabricated to detect S. mutans levels in saliva for evaluating dental caries.…”