Approximal caries increment, a three-year longitudinal radiographic study

Aim: To determine, for different age groups, the approximal caries increment in a three-year longitudinal retrospective study and to investigate the relationship between the caries increment and self-reported measures fororal health behaviour, dental knowledge and attitude (cynicism, health concern and motivation). Subjects: 14, 17, 20 and 23-year-olds, who participated in a clinical epidemiological survey. Bitewings were taken of approximately 52% of the participants. Longitudinally, three cohorts were followed radiographically for three years. The self-reported measures were derived from questionnaires with sufficient reliability. Results: For all participants, on average, 3.7 enamel lesions and 1.2 dentine lesions were found. The number of sound surfaces, adequate restorations and the D 1 FS score showed significant differences over a three-year period, for all age groups. Stepwise regression analysis showed that for the explanation of the change in number of sound surfaces, number of enamel lesions and D 1 S between the age of 17 and 20, the variable 'health concern' contributed significantly to the regression. The change in D 3 FS score was explained by the variable 'behaviour', while the change in D 1 Fs score was explained by both 'behaviour' and 'health concern'. Neither of the dental variables, 'dental knowledge' or 'motivation' contributed significantly. For the ages 14-17 and 20-23 no significant contributions were found. Conclusions: A considerable caries increment was found in this three-year retrospective radiographic study, which was not related to dental knowledge and motivation, and only for one age group (17-20) to oral health behaviour and health concern.