Assessment of Caries Risk in Young Adults Using the Cariogram Model: A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15218/edj.2026.14Keywords:
Buffering, Cariogram, Diet, Salivary flow, Streptococcus mutansAbstract
Background and Objectives: Dental caries is considered one of the most prevalent global health issues, affecting over 3.1 billion people. The Cariogram, a Caries Risk Assessment (CRA) model, helps predict caries risk by evaluating multiple contributing factors. This study aimed to investigate caries risk in young adults in Erbil City, Iraq, using the Cariogram model, incorporating salivary factors and Streptococcus mutans levels.
Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 30 young adults aged 18–25 years (13 males, 17 females). Cariogram software was utilized to determine caries risk based on four main categories: diet, bacteria, susceptibility, and circumstances.
Results: The mean age was 23.38 ± 1.38 years for males and 22.82 ± 1.42 years for females. Caries experience was predominantly classified as better than normal (60%), and the most common fluoride regimen was fluoride toothpaste alone (46.7%). The majority of participants had normal salivary secretion (43.3%) and low buffering capacity (63.3%). Most participants were classified as having a low (33.3%) or medium (30%) risk for caries. Streptococcus mutans levels were highest in Classes 0 and 1 (33.3% each).
Conclusion: Factors such as Streptococcus mutans levels, diet, and individual susceptibility were strongly associated with caries risk.
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