Dental Caries in Children

Question 1

What is the definition of early childhood caries?

Answer 1

≥1 decayed (cavitated/non-cavitated), missing (due to caries) or filled tooth surfaces in any
primary tooth in a child <6 y/o

Question 2

What is the definition of severe early childhood caries?

Answer 2

• ≥1 cavitated, missing or filled smooth surfaces in primary max anterior teeth from ages 3-5 OR
• Any sign of smooth surface caries in a child <3 y/o OR
• ≥4/5/6 dmfs in 3/4/5 y/o

Question 3

What are the causes of early childhood caries?

Answer 3

• Diet: sugar intake, feeding practices
• Oral hygiene practices: mechanical plaque disruption, fluoride usage (>1000ppm)

Question 4

What are the consequences of early childhood caries?

Answer 4

• Pain, infection, loss of function
• Affects growth & dev of dentition
• Poor aesthetics, cost

Question 5

How to clinically detect caries?

Answer 5

• Dry surface – white spot lesions absorb water

*impt to differentiate from hypomineralisation which tends to occur at non-plaque retentive areas (eg smooth buccal surface, cusp tip)

Question 6

What should not be carried out with the visual-tactile method of caries dx?

A. Dry tooth surface
B. Have good lighting
C. Clean tooth surface
D. Feel for a catch

Answer 6

D, should feel for roughness

Question 7

What is the recommended recall rate for a pediatric patient at moderate risk for dental caries?

Answer 7

6 monthly

Question 8

Which of the following is a reasoning type of CRA?

Answer 8

AAPT CAT

Question 9

Which sugar is the most cariogenic according to Turku Sugar 1975?

Answer 9

Sucrose

Question 10

What is the critical pH of enamel?

Answer 10

pH 5.5

Question 11

What form of radiograph should be taken to detect occlusal caries in children?

Answer 11

Bitewing

Question 12

What are the recommended recall intervals for children based on caries risk?

Answer 12

Low risk: 12 months
Moderate risk: 6 months
High risk: 3 months