Approaches used in the assessment of caries risk

Abstract

The control of caries disease requires the assessment of factors, indicators and predictors of risk. Scrutinized in this review was the role of the main approaches used in caries risk determination, which include the evaluation of caries experience and activity, the application of salivary tests, the assessment of dietary and oral hygiene habits and the consideration of socio-economic aspects. Based on the available evidence, it was concluded that: 1) when analyzed in an isolated fashion, factors, indicators and predictors of risk may provide limited subsidies to caries risk determination; 2) the caries experience and activity of incipient lesions are the best caries risk predictors; 3) among the salivary parameters, the flow is the most important tool to predict caries risk; 4) when the biofilm is disrupted and the patient has access to fluoride sources, sucrose intake seems to play a secondary role in the caries risk prediction; 5) socio-economic factors can influence caries risk.