Severity of caries in primary dentition evaluated with the Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST).

Abstract

Introduction: The CAST describes from the absence of carious lesions to presence of sealants and caries treatment (restoration), enamel and dentin lesions, lesions that penetrate the pulp and tissue surrounding the tooth (abscesses/fistulas) and loss of teeth. Objective: To determine the prevalence and severity of caries in primary dentition in children between 6-8 years of Naucalpan state of Mexico. Material and methods: Cross-sectional, prospective study that included 218 children from a public schools near the Specializations clinic of FES Iztacala UNAM. The CAST index composed of nine categories was used to evaluate caries, in addition to OHI-S (Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified) for oral hygiene. A bivariate analysis was performed using non-parametric tests (Pearson's Chi square) to evaluate the association between the variables: caries, oral hygiene, sex, and tooth brushing frequency. Results: 74.3% of children brush their teeth less than twice a day and 63.8% have poor oral hygiene. Caries prevalence was 72.5% (carious lesions in enamel and dentin), 15.1% had restorations, 1.4% sealants and only 11.0% were caries-free. On the other hand, if only dentin caries lesions are considered, the prevalence was 39.5%. No association was found between the prevalence of caries by sex (p=0.559). Conclusions: Caries prevalence of 72.5% was found, only 15.1% presented restorations, timely diagnosis and preventive activities are important in this study population with the aim of reducing the prevalence of caries.