Caries Risk Assessment

Question 1

What % of the Australian adolescent population has 75% of all detected caries?

Answer 1

27%

Question 2

Caries risk

Answer 2

the probability of developing new carious lesions, or progression of existing lesions (caries activity) within a certain period of time

Question 3

Caries risk assessment

Answer 3

the estimation of the probability of developing a new dental caries lesion and/or a change in the size or activity of existing lesions in the mouth within a specific timeframe (prognostication of the future)

Question 4

What are risk factors?

Answer 4

Bad bacteria
Absence of saliva
Dietary habits (poor)

Question 5

What are protective factors?

Answer 5

Saliva & sealants
Adequate oral hygiene
Fluoride
Effective Diet

Question 6

What is the general process of paatient assessment?

Answer 6

History
Examination
Special investigations
Diagnosis

Question 7

What is caries management by risk assessment? (CAMBRA)

Answer 7

1. Data from history, examination, and appropriate special investigations are used to identify risk factors
2. Patient’s caries risk is evaluated and classified (High, Moderate, Low),
3. Treatment plan is formulated according to caries risk
4. Monitoring (caries activity and factors; during course of care and at recall)

Question 8

What areas are indicators of high caries risk?

Answer 8

anterior teeth, free smooth surfaces, incisal edges, lingual surfaces

associated with inadequate saliva flow or composition.

Question 9

Common risk factors?

Answer 9

Plaque
Oral Hygiene
Diet
Saliva (moderates everything)

Question 10

What is a GC Tri Plaque ID Gel plaque index contraindication?

Answer 10

patients with allergies to hydroxybenzoates.

Question 11

What can GC Tri Plaque ID Gel test for?

Answer 11

it can test for 3 different types of plaque.

new (pink), old (purple), high risk (blue and acid producing)

Question 12

What are free sugars?

Answer 12

all monosaccharides and disaccharides added to foods, and naturally occurring in honey, juices and syrups.

Question 13

What classifies low caries risk?

Answer 13

No active caries in the last 3 years

AND

P > R

Question 14

What classifies moderate caries risk?

Answer 14

1-2 active enamel caries

OR

Restorations or extractions due to caries in the last 3 years

OR

No active caries but R > P

Question 15

What classifies high caries risk?

Answer 15

1+ active primary carious lesion into dentine or root

OR

3+ active carious lesions into enamel

OR

R > P