title: Caries prevalence (ICDAS) in 12-year-olds from low caries prevalence areas and association with independent variables.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In areas with low caries prevalence, indices are needed for caries detection, which can also be used to identify initial lesions.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess the caries prevalence among 12-year-olds using ICDAS criteria and to investigate the influence of independent variables on the findings.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was conducted in two regions of Germany. In Region 1, children received regular school-based prophylaxis, including fluoride varnish 2×/yr. In Region 2, there was no use of fluoride varnish in schools. Information on different factors influencing the outcome variable of caries experience was collected using structured questionnaires. DF-S values were calculated at different ICDAS cut-off points. To compare the mean caries scores of the subgroups, nonparametric tests were performed. Variables associated with caries were included in a binary logistic regression analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At D(1-6) FS and D(1+2) FS level, the differences between the regions were statistically significant (P = 0.005 and P = 0.01, respectively). Regression analysis identified the variables 'use of fluoridated toothpaste', 'fissure sealants', and 'ethnic origin' as factors significant to the prevention of caries at various stages.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In a population with low caries prevalence, significant differences between subgroups could only be found when initial lesions were included.
authors.affiliation: Dental School, Department of Pediatric and Community Dentistry, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Anahita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jablonski-Momeni
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Winter
authors.forename: Pantelis
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Petrakakis
authors.forename: Sonja
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schmidt-Schäfer
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003625:Data Collection; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence