Risk factors and risk indicators associated with high caries experience in Swedish 19-year-olds

Abstracts on this page have been chosen and edited by Dr Trevor Watts

Abstract

Several well-known risk factors appear to continue their influence on caries in late adolescence.

Main

Julihn A, Agholme MB et al. Acta Odont Scand 2006; 64: 267–273

In recent decades Sweden and other countries have seen a marked reduction in dental caries. However, about 10% of Swedish adolescents have high caries experience. In this study, 696 19-year-olds in Stockholm (557 born in Sweden, 28 elsewhere in Europe, and 111 outside Europe) were examined and completed a questionnaire, with an interpreter if needed.

Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified 4 variables as significantly associated with DMFS ≥10. These were: dental fear (OR= 2.8), gingival bleeding ≥15% (2.1), mother born abroad (2.0), and irregular toothbrushing at night (1.9). The authors consider that foreign-born parents, oral hygiene habits and other behavioural factors have a strong impact on caries even in late adolescence.