Study of the Assessment of Caries Risk for the Primary Dentition Period

Comparison of caries activity tests and consideration for clinical application

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between caries activity tests, the status of dental caries and the habits of daily living in thirty one infants (21 boys and 10 girls) as these relate to the primary dentition.
The results were as follows:
1. The three types of streptococcus mutans tests correlated significantly with each other.
2. The streptococcus mutans tests correlated significantly with tooth cleaning habits and habits of eating between meals.
3. As Cariostat® correlated significantly with the status of dental caries and eating habits, it appears to be effective as the first means to check up on caries activity.