Risk factors of caries progression in a Hispanic school-aged population

The purpose of this institutional review board-approved study was to identify risk factors of caries lesion progression in children enrolled in rural schools in puerto rico. a convenience sample of 408 children (5-13 yrs old) was examined at baseline and at 12 and 24 mos with the international caries detection and assessment system (icdas). a total of 395 caregivers completed a 25-item questionnaire including socio-demographic,dietary,protective factors,disease experience,and access to care. caries progression was significant (89% and 91% at 12 and 24 mos,respectively). multiple-variable models for predicting children with lesion progression and numbers of lesions progressing were calculated for 2 outcome variables (any-progression vs. progression-toward- cavitation). models developed had areas under the receiver operating characteristic (roc) curve ranging between 0.70 and 0.79 and were very similar regardless of the outcome (progression criteria),prediction time (12-24 mos),or inclusion (or not) of previous caries experience. significant predictors of disease progression collected through a parent-completed questionnaire included questions related to caries experience in the child or caregiver,and the caregiver's rating of the child's oral health. © 2011 international & american associations for dental research.