Prevalence and risk factors for dental caries among 3, 6, 12 and 19-year-old individuals in southern Sweden. A retrospective study

Abstract

Dental caries is one of the most common chronic diseases among children and adolescents. The current treatment strategy is early identification of patients at risk, to inhibit the development of bad habits and establish good habits. Aims: To investigate caries prevalence at age 3, 6, 12 and 19 years at the Faculty of Odontology at Malmö University and identify risk factors. Material and Methods: Patients born 1997, 1998 and 1999 registered at the Faculty of Odontology, Malmö University, were included. Background data, information about oral hygiene habits, dietary and sugar contains drink habits were registered in the protocol. Caries status was registered using dt/DT, dft/DFT scores followed by risk group assessment. Total dental records of 101 participants were included. Results: Results showed that 3-, 6-, 12- and 19-years old participants had 33, 63, 29 and 42% manifest caries, respectively. Dental scores of dt/DT, dft/DFT and the number of bitewing X-ray increased over the years. Cariogenic diet and lack of oral hygiene were the most prevalent risk factors for caries in children and young adolescents with manifest caries, a significant difference in comparisons with caries-free children. Conclusion: Caries in early life indicate a high risk for future caries in permanent teeth. Cariogenic dietary habits and lack of oral hygiene habits were the most common risk factors associated with dental caries. There is need for more knowledge and research in caries prevention to minimize the burden of dental caries and providing better health interventions.