Caries risk profiles in orthodontic patients at follow-up using Cariogram.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze caries-related factors shortly after orthodontic treatment and to use the Cariogram computer program to describe caries risk profiles at follow-up in these patients.


METHODS
One hundred orthodontic patients age 12-29 years, with a mean age of 17.5 years, were included in the study. They were divided into two groups (50 in each) based on their prebonding decayed, filled surfaces index (DFS). High (5 > or = DFS) and low (2 < or = DFS) groups were created. All patients were examined after debonding in the following order: interview, plaque score, caries examination, saliva samples, bitewing radiographs, panoramic radiographs, and intra-oral digital photos. All types of carious lesions in both the enamel and dentine were diagnosed clinically and radiographically and included in the DFS index. A paraffin-stimulated whole saliva sample was collected for estimations of secretion rate, buffer capacity, and number of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli.


RESULTS
The low caries group (2 < or = DFS) displayed a statistically significant difference and low values for the following factors, DFS (P < .001), lactobacilli (P < .001), mutans streptococci (P < .001), and high Cariogram percent (P < .001). The plaque index displayed very close significance (P = .051).


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with high (5 > or = DFS) numbers before orthodontic treatment ran a higher risk of developing caries. They had significantly higher numbers of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli and had less chance of avoiding new cavities according to the Cariogram.
Al Mulla
Anas H
AH
Department of Cariology and Orthodontics, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden. dr_anas_h_almulla@mac.com
Kharsa
Saad Al
SA
Kjellberg
Heidrun
H
Birkhed
Dowen
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002021:Buffers; D002648:Child; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D004245:DMF Index; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology*; D003733:Dental Caries Susceptibility; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000473:pathology; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D003804:Dentin / Q000473:pathology; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances; D023861:Photography, Dental; D016300:Radiography, Bitewing; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology / Q000502:physiology; D012636:Secretory Rate / Q000502:physiology; D012984:Software; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000302:isolation & purification; D055815:Young Adult
D002021:Buffers