Identification of caries risk factors in toddlers

The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors to predict caries progression in toddlers in primary-healthcare settings for the cost-effective targeting of preventive and referral strategies. we examined 329 children (26 ± 6 mos old) twice,one year apart,in indiana,usa. a 107-item structured interview was used to collect information from the primary caregiver and child on factors/beliefs/perceptions/behaviors that could affect caries development,transmission of bacteria,medical-dental health,and access to care. bacterial levels,gingivitis,dental plaque,and caries experience were assessed. multiple-variable logistic regression models of caries progression toward cavitation included family caries experience,transmission-related behaviors,dietary factors,health beliefs,and lower income,but differed in selected predictors/ predictive power by race/ethnicity. addition of clinical variables did not significantly improve the prediction. © international & american associations for dental research.