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Levy SM, Warren JJ et al. Caries Res 2003; 37: 157–165

Primary dentition caries has several known risk factors. In this study, fluoride and dietary data were recorded for 291 children at intervals from 6 wks to 4 years, and the children were examined for caries at 4–6 yrs. Subjects were predominantly white and of high socioeconomic status. Breast milk and infant formula intakes were not recorded.

Logistic regression identified several significant odds ratios for the presence of caries: at 36–48 months, frequency of toothbrushing (0.7), water consumption (0.57) and milk consumption (0.69); and from 6 weeks-12 months, consumption of sugar beverages or milk (1.7).

The model gave an AUC (the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) of 0.69, indicating the probability of correctly discerning a subject having caries. The authors note that more risk factors are possible, including other sources of sugar and the individual oral microflora.