Caries risk assessment in pregnant women using cariogram

Abstract

Introduction/Objective "Cariogram" takes into account interactions between caries-related factors and expresses a graphic assessment of the caries risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between caries risk and different variables of Cariogram in pregnant women. Methods This study included 96 pregnant women. At baseline, data on general health, diet, oral hygiene, and fluoride exposure were obtained. DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) index was calculated by clinical examination. Saliva analyses included mutans streptococci and lactobacilli counts, buffer capacity, and secretion rate. Scores were entered and caries risk was assessed. The women were divided into five groups according to their Cariogram caries risk. Results The results of the study showed that 29.17% (28) of the pregnant women had high caries risk, 21.88% (21)-medium, 17.71% (17)-low, 16.67% (16)-very high, and 14.58% (14)-very low caries risk. In an average caries risk profile of pregnant women, the dominant sector was "Bacteria" (18.85% of the risk structure profile), followed by "Diet" (17.97%), "Circumstances" (15.68%), and "Susceptibility" sector (14.65%). Conclusion Cariogram shows that pregnant women in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, had 46.14% chance of avoiding caries in the future. The Cariogram model can successfully determine caries risk profiles for pregnant women.

The importance of pH, salivary flow and different dental caries risk factors in pregnant women

“…With the instrument used to assess risk factors, the Caries Risk Assessment Tool, it was found that the group of pregnant women had a greater risk of caries compared to the control group where a moderate risk was found. In recent research the results were similar, concluding that pregnant women had higher risk of caries (Dolić et al, 2017;Molnar-Varlam et al, 2011;Pérez Oviedo et al, 2011).…”

Validation Of Cariogram In Caries Prediction At Woman And Their Children 4 Years After Pregnancy – Longitudinal Study

“…Although the Health Insurance Fund of Bosnia and Herzegovina covers full costs of dental care for children younger than 15-years, the ECC prevalence is extremely high and most of the lesions are untreated [3]. In countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina, with high caries prevalence, caries risk assessment is very important, but there is only data about caries risk assessment in the 12-years-old children [19] and pregnant women [30].…”

“…This longitudinal study was performed as a follow up of the study previously presented by Dolic et al [30]. The baseline survey was carried out in 2007 (January to April) and follow-up in 2011 (January to April).…”

“…The study consisted of five steps: a questionnaire, interview, clinical examination, saliva sampling, and assess caries risk using the Cariogram. Interview/questionnaire was taken only to assess the personal data needed for calculating one's caries risk by Cariogram [30]. The questionnaire contained questions about: general health and medication, diet and oral hygiene habits including tooth brushing frequency and the use of fluoride.…”

“…Some studies used Cariogram to assess caries risk profile of preschool children [24][25][26][27][28][29]. In a previous study, we presented that Cariogram can be useful tool in caries risk assessment and identification of significant caries risk factors in a group of pregnant women [30], but to our knowledge, there are no studies that used Cariogram of pregnant women in offspring risk profile prediction.…”