Caries Management of High-Risk Children by Caries Risk Assessment

Koo, Seo Yeon; Lee, Su Young

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to classify risk groups according to Caries Risk Assessment (CRA) and to investigate the effect of caries prevention program after 1 year of caries prevention intervention program in 6-year-old infants with high caries risk. The subjects were selected based on responses to CRA questionnaires. At the first visit, oral examination, Cariview, bacteria and saliva flow test were performed. The caries risk group was classified accordingly. The subjects were given fluoride application and oral health education every four months and evaluated the same as the first visit after 1 year. As a result of classifying the risk level according to CRA, more than 80% of the subjects were in the high or extreme high risk. The dft index was increased in all risk groups after the intervention. There was a significant difference between the before and after intervention (p < 0.05). The Cariview score showed a slight decrease after the intervention in the moderate and high risk groups. As a result of the evaluation of bacteria test, Streptococcus mutans were decreased to â‰¥10âµ CFU/ml saliva after intervention in all groups. Lactobacilli were decreased after intervention in high risk and extreme high risk groups. As a result of saliva flow, there was significant difference between caries risk groups before and after intervention (p < 0.05). In conclusion, regular caries management has been shown to influence caries risk factors in high-caries risk children. Also, it is necessary to find out periodical dental risk management system which is suitable for domestic situation through the related studies.