This observational, cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the current caries risk profiles of children who underwent dental treatment under general anesthesia (GA) for early childhood caries (ECC) between 2015 and 2020 at Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Dentistry. A minimum of 44 systemically healthy children will be included.
Caries risk will be assessed using the Cariogram model, incorporating clinical parameters (DMFT/dmft, Plaque Index, Gingival Index, probing depth), salivary factors (stimulated flow rate, buffer capacity), and standardized questionnaires covering diet, fluoride exposure, socioeconomic status, and dental visit history. Data will be collected in a single visit, analyzed using SPSS.
The study aims to provide scientific evidence for long-term preventive strategies and oral health policies targeting high-risk pediatric populations treated under GA for ECC.
Pediatric patients who underwent dental treatment under general anesthesia for early childhood caries (ECC) at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Aydın Adnan Menderes University between 2015-2020
Patients whose follow-up information (e.g., discharge summary, treatment plan) is accessible through clinical records
Individuals who provide written informed consent signed by their parents/legal guardians and assent from the child to participate in the study
Individuals with medical conditions that may affect oral health, such as systemic diseases, immunodeficiencies, or chronic illnesses
Children with special healthcare needs or mental/physical disabilities
Patients who do not cooperate during the examination or do not allow the completion of the oral examination
Children aged 6-16 years who underwent dental treatment under general anesthesia for early childhood caries (ECC) at Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Dentistry between 2015-2020
Other
Cross-sectional
Caries Risk Assesment
Diagnostic testParticipants will undergo a single-visit evaluation in which caries risk will be comprehensively assessed using the Cariogram model. The assessment will integrate findings from clinical examination (including DMFT/dmft scores, Plaque Index, Gingival Index, and probing depth), salivary analysis (stimulated flow rate and buffer capacity), and standardized questionnaires evaluating diet, fluoride exposure, socioeconomic status, and dental visit history. No treatment or experimental intervention will be performed; all data will be collected exclusively for observational analysis.
Caries Risk Assessment
Caries risk will be evaluated using the Cariogram model, which combines clinical, salivary, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors to estimate each participant's "chance to avoid caries." Key inputs include caries experience (DMFT/dmft), plaque and gingival status, salivary flow and buffering, diet and oral hygiene habits, fluoride exposure, dental attendance, and socioeconomic or health-related influences. The Cariogram software will integrate these variables to generate a visual risk profile and a final percentage score for objective comparison between participants. The following parameters are evaluated in the Cariogram: Caries History Systemic disease: 0: No disease, 1: a mild systemic disease, 2: Severely affecting systemic diseaseDietary content: the cariogenic potential of foods 0: ≤ 10³ CFU/ml, 1: 10⁴ CFU/ ml, 2: 10⁵ CFU/ml, 3: ≥10⁶ CFU/ml Diet frequency: Average daily number of meals and snacks 0≤ 3 meals/day, 1: 4-5 meals/day, 2: 6-7 meals/day, 3: \>7 meals/day
DMFT/dmft Scores
DMFT/dfs index in individuals consists of the following components: D (Decayed): Number of decayed and untreated permanent teeth M (Missing): Number of permanent teeth extracted due to caries F (Filled): Number of permanent teeth restored with fillings T(Teeth) For each participant, these three components will be recorded separately, and the total DMFT score will be calculated. 0: DMFT=0, 1: DMFT=1, 2: DMFT=2, 3: DMFT ≥ 3
Plaque Index (Silness-Löe)
Oral hygiene status will be assessed using the standardized Plaque Index criteria on specified tooth surfaces. Plaque Index (PI) - Silness and Löe 0: No plaque 1. Thin visible plaque, difficult to detect 2. Thick visible plaque, easily detectable 3. Presence of plaque filling the interproximal area 0: 0 (Excellent), 1: 0.1-0.9 (Good), 2: 1.0-1.9 (Moderate), 3: 2.0-3.0 (Poor)
Gingival Index (Löe-Silness)
Gingival health will be measured using the Gingival Index to evaluate the degree of gingival inflammation. 0: Normal gingiva - no edema, 1: Mild edema, no bleeding after gentle probing, 2: Moderate to severe gingival edema, bleeding after air drying, 3: Severe inflammation; redness and edema. Ulceration. Tendency for spontaneous bleeding
Stimulated Salivary Flow Rate (mL/min)
Stimulated salivary flow rate will be measured using wax-stimulated saliva collection and expressed in mL/min. 0: ≥0.7 mL/min 1. 0.3-0.7 mL/min 2. \<0.3 mL/min
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