Introduction: While there are caries risk indices like CAMBRA, they are not routinely used by dentists. These indices, by determining caries risk, allow for the personalization of patient treatment plans and the application of preventive measures. Objectives: This study aims to develop and validate a caries risk assessment index for adults based on CAMBRA, incorporating the quantification of cariogenic and carioprotective bacteria. Additionally, it seeks to evaluate whether microbiological indicators alone can sufficiently predict caries risk. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study involved the examination of 99 patients attending the Dental Clinic of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa. All participants completed a questionnaire, underwent an intraoral examination, and provided a saliva sample. Seventeen patients were re-evaluated 6-8 months after the initial observation. Results: Incorporating microbiological parameters into the CAMBRA risk index and comparing risk levels with and without microbial indicators revealed that there was no change in caries risk for most patients. However, using an index based solely on microbial quantification significantly increased the risk levels for the same patients. It was also found that while there is an association between cariogenic bacteria and caries risk, no association could be established between the analyzed carioprotective bacteria and caries risk. Conclusion: The inclusion of microbiological parameters in the CAMBRA risk calculation does not significantly enhance the risk assessment compared to using CAMBRA alone. Cariogenic bacteria appear to be good indicators of caries risk, but the use of carioprotective bacteria as indicators should be re-evaluated in future studies.
- Dental caries
- Cariogenic bacteria
- Cario-protective bacteria
- Risk calculation
- Mestrado em Medicina Dentária
Cariocheck: um índice microbiano preditor do risco de cárie?
Ferreira, M. L. (Student). 23 Jul 2024
Student thesis: Master's Thesis
