Caries risk assessment and prevention planning Flashcards
Dental caries
multifactorial
dynamic process
cariogenic bacteria with fermentable carbohydrates on a tooth surface
Caries balance
Interplay of pathological and protective factors that influence demineralisation and remineralisation respectively.
Pathological:
- Acid-Producing bacteria
- Sub-normal saliva flow and/or function
- Frequent eating/drinking of fermentable carbohydrates
- Poor oral hygiene
Protective factors:
- Saliva flow and components
- Remineralisation
- Antibacterials
- Good oral hygiene
Risk of caries in NI
40% by the age of 5
57% by the age of 12
72% by the age of 15
Impact of caries
22% of 12 yrs and 19% of 15yrs reported difficulty eating in past 3 months
35% of 12yrs and 28% of 15yrs reported being embarrassed to smile/laugh due to condition of teeth
35% of parents of 15 yrs reported that their child’s oral health had impacted on family life in the last 6 months
23% of parents of 15yrs took time off work of their child’s oral health in the period
Caries risk assessment
Comprehensive assessment of a pts social, medical and dental status to determine risk of developing caries
Predicts rate of disease progression.
Children can be classified as low or high risk
What do studies suggest?
Previous caries experience
Visible plaque on maxillary incisors
Caries in primary teeth –> risk in permanent
Resident in area of deprivation
Caries/Restorations in anterior teeth
Treatment planning
Relief of pain
Prevention
Behaviour management
Operative procedures
- Consider stabilisation
- Prioritise 6s
Recall and reinforcement of preventative advice
Caries risk impact on radiographic investigations
High caries risk
6-12 months
Low caries risk
Bitewing radiographs taken at 12-18 months
Baseline radiographs
4yrs when contacts close
5 yrs when there are no parental concerns and no clinical decay
Professional prevention
0-6 years –> fluoride varnish 2.2% F
Concerning cases –> FS molars/Daily F Rinse >8yrs/ 2800ppm F tp (>10 yrs)/ 5,000ppm F tp (>16yrs)
