A Study about the Evaluation of Caries Risk Determination by Using Cariogram

In this study the efficacy Cariogram which is a new method assessing and predicting caries risk was evaluated. 76 girls, 58 boys totally 134 children ranging between ages of 10-11 years took place in the study. A questionnaire containing interview questions prior to the oral examination, oral examination records and salivary tests parts was applied for each children. After the questionnaire records were available, caries-related factors occurred in Cariogram were scored and entered into the Cariogram computer software to calculate the caries risk described as the chance of avoiding caries for each children. All children were classified in caries risk groups. After 2-year period 73 girls, 52 boys totally 125 children whose present situation would be evaluated were invited and for each children DMFT data was collected. DMFT data was compared with the chance of avoiding caries. Subsequent to transferring of the data to computer, descriptive statistics were calculated. An increase in DMFT index was detected in the three risk groups defined by Cariogram as 1-25%, 26-75% and 76+%. Similarly, an increase in DMFT index was detected when both `high risk? and `standard set? existing as a subtitle in `country/area? part were selected. There wasn?t a statistically significant difference between groups, as well as the increase of DMFT index in the groups defined by Cariogram for `high risk? and `standard set?, the difference was not statistically significant (p>0,05). None of the caries-related factors were related with the increase in DMFT index (p>0,05). The difference between the caries risk groups determined by Cariogram, used for the purpose of assessment or prediction of caries risk, and present situation evaluated after 2 years showed that the efficacy of Cariogram is controversial in term of determination of caries risk. Key Words: Cariogram, caries, caries risk assessment, caries risk prediction. 64