Caries risk assessment before orthodontic treatment

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the caries risk of patients before orthodontic treatment using Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA).

Methods: A dental hygienist conducted interviews and intraoral examinations of patients attending the Orthodontic Department at Asahi University Medical and Dental Center for initial orthodontic consultation. Items related to disease indicators (D), risk factors (R), and protective factors (P) were checked using CAMBRA. Caries risk levels of patients were classified into four categories: low, middle, high, and extreme. Total scores of D, R, and P between the low/middle and high caries risk patients were compared using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. The association between each factor and caries risk in patients classified as low/middle and high was statistically analyzed with Fisher’s exact test (significance level 5%).

Results: The distribution of caries risk levels was 11.8% (low), 1.4% (middle), and 86.8% (high). Factors D and P significantly influenced the results (P < 0.05), while factor R had no impact (P > 0.05). The presence of white spot lesions (D3) and restorative treatment within the past three years (D4) frequently correlated with high caries risk. Conversely, the use of fluoride toothpaste daily (P1, P2) was associated with a lower frequency of high caries risk.

Conclusion: A large percentage of patients were classified as high caries risk. It is necessary to reduce disease indicators (D3, D4) and to improve protective factors (P1, P2).