Abstract
This study was conducted to examine the validity of the Cariostat(Rt)e st (Sankin, Tokyo, Japan). Seventy three children aged 3-6 years were the subjects of the present investigation. Two plaque samples were collected with cotton swabs from each subject at same time. In addition the validity of the Cariostat(Rt)e st was examined by intra- and inter-examiners. The following results were obtained;
1. A caries prevalence of 60.3% was found and the mean dt, mean dft, and mean CSI (Caries Severity Index) were 2.45,4.18,9.23, respectively.
2. The Cariostat score showed a high significant correlation with d-t, df-t, and CSI (p< 0.01).
3. There was no significant difference between the 2 test groups with 24 h,48 h,72 h incubation time. Sixty three percent of the 2 tests groups with the 48 h incubation time showed the same rating of the Cariostat score. And 31.5% rated with the difference of 0.5, and 5.5% rated with 1.0.
4. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups to rate by an intra-examiner rating at a distribution of Cariostat with 48 h. Approximately 84% showed the same rating of Cariostat score, and 16% rated with the difference of ±05.
5. There was no significant diference between 2 groups to rate by an inter-examiner rating at a distribution of Cariostat with 48 h. Approximately 78% showed same rating of Cariostat score, and 22% rated with the difference of ±05.
This study confirmed the validity of the Cariostat test.
