Implementing the American Dental Association’s Caries Risk Assessment Tool in a Developing Country - A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Introduction – Detection of onset of dental caries at an early age is necessary to prevent further tooth decay and consequent complications. Among several models available for identifying individuals with dental carries in near future, the American Dental Association (ADA) Caries risk assessment (CRA) questionnaire provides a simple yet effective approach without the need of special tools to identify dental caries risk. The purpose of this study was to categorize selected patients into the three different risk categories (high, moderate, and low risk) by using the ADA CRA forms for two groups: 0-6 years and above 6 years of age.

Method: A cross sectional study was carried out among selected patients from various

pediatric clinics in Mumbai, India, with 50 patients in 0-6 years and 58 patients

above 6 years. The ADA questionnaire was used for collection of demographic data along with information on fluoride exposure, sugar consumption, general health and clinical conditions of the patients.

Results- In the 0-6 age group, 52% (26) patients fell under high-risk category. Among the 26 high-risk patients, 84.61% (22) showed presence of high-risk clinical conditions. Remainder 40% and 8% of patients in the group were in moderate and low risk category respectively.

In the above 6 years age group, 37.93% (22) patients fell under high-risk category. 31.03% patients each were in moderate and low risk category.

Conclusion: Periodic monitoring for signs of caries progression and active measures

individualized to the patient’s risk level should be carried out by parents and oral

health professionals to reduce cariogenic environment and monitor possible caries

progression.

Practical implication - The parents need to be educated regarding the negative impact

of frequent consumption of carbohydrates and the importance of fluoride exposure in

caries development.