Longitudinal study of non-cavitated carious lesion progression in the primary dentition.
OBJECTIVE
This study reports changes in non-cavitated tooth surface diagnoses after a 4-year period.


METHODS
Dental examinations were conducted for Iowa Fluoride Study cohort children who had non-cavitated lesions in the primary dentition and were also examined an average of 4 years later in the mixed dentition. Comparison of fluoride exposures, socioeconomic factors, and beverage consumption patterns were made between children who had lesions progress and those who did not.


RESULTS
Of 129 non-cavitated pit and fissure lesions in the first exams, 40 (31%) progressed to either frank decay or filled status, while among 132 noncavitated smooth surface lesions, 7 (5%) were filled and none had frank decay in the second exam. No fluoride, socioeconomic status or beverage variables were significantly associated with lesion progression.


CONCLUSIONS
Non-cavitated smooth surface lesions rarely progressed in this age group, but nearly one-third of pit and fissure lesions progressed.
Warren
John J
JJ
Dental Science Bldg., The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1010, USA. john-warren@uiowa.edu
Levy
Steven M
SM
Broffitt
Barbara
B
Kanellis
Michael J
MJ
D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000473:pathology*; D003750:Dental Fissures / Q000473:pathology; D018450:Disease Progression; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005459:Fluorides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007484:Iowa; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D005459:Fluorides