Assessment of Approximal Caries

The Relationship between the Oral Status and Morphological and Behavioral Factors

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the association between the presence of approximal caries and microbiological factors, the presence of interdental space and life style. Seventy-two children (mean age 4 years 4 months) who visited a private pediatric dental clinic in Okayama, Japan, were the subjects. The approximal surfaces between first and second upper primary molars were examined using the dental mirror, explorer and dental floss. Radiographical examination was also carried out. Questionnaires regarding snack habits and brushing habits were utilized. The plaque samples were taken from the approximal surfaces with dental floss and put into the Cariostat media. All of the samples were cultured in selective media for mutans streptococci (MS), streptococci and lactobacilli (LB). Colonies were enumerated and identified using biochemical tests. The results were as follows.
1) The approximal surfaces with caries shared significantly higher MS counts than surfaces without caries (p<0.01). Significant correlation was found between the number of MS and CSI (p<0.01).
2) The approximal surfaces with caries shared significantly higher SM levels than surfaces without caries (p<0.05). Significant correlation was found between SM levels and CSI (p<0.01).
3) The approximal surfaces with caries shared significantly higher LB counts than surfaces without caries (p<0.01). Significant conelation was found between the number of LB and CSI (p<0.01).
4) The Cariostat score at 48 hours correlated significantly to presence of approximal caries (p<0.05).
5) The status of interdental space correlated significantly to presence of approximal caries (p<0.01).
6) The aspects regarding brushing habits and caretaker during day time influenced the presence of approximal caries.