Caries Status Among Preschoolers in Singapore andDevelopment/Validation of caries risk assessment/predictionmodels

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to profile the caries status among preschoolers in Singapore and to develop/validate biopsychosocial caries risk assessment (CRA) models for children. Methods: With a questionnaire, oral examinations, and biological (salivary, microbiological, and plaque pH) tests, a population-based prospective study was conducted among 1,782 randomly selected preschoolers aged 3-5 years. The follow-up examination was carried out 12 months later. Results: 40% of children were affected by caries, with mean deft/defs of 1.54/3.30. Infant feeding practice detrimental to oral health was common in this population. The infection of cariogenic bacteria was high. The combination of biopsychosocial CRA models, with highest sensitivity/specificity of 90%/90%, provides options for various applications at community and clinical settings. Conclusions: Caries remains a serious oral health problem for preschoolers in Singapore. The CRA models established in this study could be practically useful tools for cost-effective caries control and optimal treatment planning.