Caries risk assessment among subjects with periodontal disease using cariogram study model

Introduction: Root caries (RC) is considered a serious problem affecting the long-term prognosis of both treated and untreated periodontally involved teeth and has become a major public health problem among adults. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess RC risk among subjects with periodontal disease using the cariogram study model. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 220 participants aged ≥35 years who were categorized as cases and controls based on inclusion criteria. Data were collected using the specially designed pro forma. The clinical oral examination was carried out for recording plaque scores (Silness and Loe), periodontal status, and dental caries experience (World Health Organization 1997). The salivary profile was generated by recording stimulated salivary flow rate, buffering capacity, and microbiological status and risk assessment done using the cariogram study model. Results: Cariogram model revealed 39% and 51% chance of avoiding caries for cases and controls, respectively. Mean coronal caries experience among cases and controls was 14.38± 5.52 and 10.88±5.70, and for root caries was 0.87±1.04 and 0.38±9.85 respectively. Subjects categorized as high risk, according to cariogram had higher mean decayed, missed, filled tooth (DMFT) (16.79 ± 4.58) and root decayed, filled tooth (1.47 ± 1.27) than other risk groups. Active periodontal disease and past caries experience were significantly associated with RC through logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: Cariogram can be a useful tool to illustrate caries risk profiles among periodontal disease patients. Along with baseline RC experience, active periodontal disease, plaque, lactobacilli, and mutans streptococci were identified as major risk factors associated with RC.