Association of Plaque Accumulation with Caries Risk in Mixed Dentition Stage

Most approaches to caries held that the disease is caused by a catastrophic change in normal plaque biofilm. The biofilm's behaviour and composition reflect the oral environment, and caries is a reflection of the negative changes occurring in that environment. As a result, it is critical to identify the plaque biofilm in order to predict the risk of caries.

Aims: Present study was aimed at assessing and comparing the patient’s plaque with caries risk during their mixed dentition.

Settings and Design: Observational study was carried out to identifu the association of plaque biofilm with development of caries risk.

Methods and Materials: Fifty children of 6 to 12 years age group of both sexes were clinically examined for Plaque status of the subjects using “Turesky-Gilmore-Glickman Modification of the Quigley Hein Plaque Index” and caries using deft and DMFT indices separately. Caries risk was assessed with the help of caries risk assessment tool (CAT).

Statistical Analysis Used: The data was collected and tabulated and was analysed using SPSS software V.22, IBM., Corp. Descriptive analysis of all study variables was done using number & frequency for categorical data whereas in terms of mean & SD for continuous data.

Results: The high caries risk group demonstrates significantly higher mean PI score (P=0.04) and mean dental caries score (P=0.03) compared to low and moderate caries risk group.

Conclusions: Present study sample consist of higher proportion (44%) of high caries risk group which necessitates oral health promotion specifically adopting the common risk factor approach.