Search

This narrative review aims to provide an update on caries risk assessment (CRA) and the available CRA tools. CRA can be used to monitor the status of oral care, as well as for documentation and research purposes. Caries risk is determined by the interplay of risk and protective factors. Common risk factors include suboptimal oral hygiene practices, previous caries experience, low plaque acidity, frequent snacking, cariogenic diet, enamel defects, reduced salivary flow, polypharmacy, and radiotherapy experience. Caries risk can be reduced through some preventive measures, such as the use of fluoride, gum chewing, dental sealants. The CRA process can be categorized as single or multifactor tools. Single-factor CRA tools include diet analysis questionnaires, cariogenic bacteria testing and saliva testing kits, whereas multifactor CRA tools encompass Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA), Cariogram, and PreViser. Some CRA tools may quantify risk and protective factors to compute caries risk. Additionally, they can generate visual and educational presentations that foster success in oral care. Clinicians consider CRA beneficial for developing personalized care plans. However, the literature fails to reflect this and reveals limited studies supporting its use as evidence-based practice for caries management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the preventive effect of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) modified salivary pellicle (SP) against dental erosion., Methods: Enamel and dentin blocks allocated into 4 groups (n = 30 each). Blocks in Group SDF+SP were treated with SDF and SP. Blocks in Group SDF were treated with SDF. Blocks in Group DW+SP were treated with deionized water (DW) and SP. Blocks in Group DW were treated with DW. The blocks were subjected to an erosive challenge at pH 3.2 for 2 mins, 5 times per day for 14 days. Salivary pellicle morphology was assessed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Crystal characteristics, percentage microhardness loss (%SMHL), surface loss, and surface morphology were assessed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), microhardness test, profilometry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively., Results: AFM revealed a modified pellicle morphology in Group SDF+SP. XRD of both blocks revealed hydroxyapatite, silver chloride, silver phosphate, and silver fluoride in Groups SDF+SP and SDF. Fluoroapatite was found in Group SDF+SP only. %SMHL ( ± Standard deviation in %) of Groups SDF+SP, SDF, DW+SP, and DW were 33.4 ± 2.2, 38.6 ± 2.2, 50.3 ± 2.2, and 58.3 ± 2.4 in enamel and 16.1 ± 2.2, 19.7 ± 2.1, 32.8 ± 2.1, and 39.0 ± 2.3 in dentin, respectively. The presence of SDF and SP reduced %SMHL in both blocks (p < 0.001). The surface loss ( ± Standard deviation in μm) of Groups SDF+SP, SDF, DW+SP, and DW were 3.6 ± 0.7, 4.1 ± 0.4, 5.3 ± 0.5, and 7.0 ± 0.6 in enamel and 5.4 ± 0.6, 6.1 ± 0.5, 9.1 ± 0.7, and 9.2 ± 0.5 in dentin, respectively. The presence of SDF and SP reduced surface loss in enamel and dentin blocks (p = 0.031 and p = 0.002, respectively). SEM showed enamel surface remained relatively smooth and partially dentinal tubule occlusion on dentin blocks in Groups SDF+SP and SDF., Conclusion: SDF had a positively synergistic effect with SP. SDF-modified salivary pellicle provided a superior protective effect against dental erosion., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: With the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry, it is feasible to self-monitor oral health using Oral Health AI Advisors (OHAI Advisors). This technological advancement offers the potential for early detection of oral diseases and facilitates early prevention. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of OHAI Advisors as a tool in preventive dentistry for the general population., Materials and Methods: Standardised searches were performed and screened across four electronic databases. The primary outcomes were changes in clinical and behavioural measures, and evidence was synthesised. The quality of the included studies was assessed., Results: The initial search identified 1639 articles, 64 full texts were reviewed, and four studies were included in the analyses. Qualitative synthesis revealed that short-term use of OHAI Advisors, for up to 6 months, statistically significantly reduced plaque and gingival index scores. Combining OHAI Advisors with verbal counseling enhanced their effectiveness. No studies investigated effects on oral health awareness, behavioural changes, or adherence to regular practice. The risk of bias in the included studies was moderate to low., Conclusion: OHAI Advisors appear to be effective for short-term oral hygiene maintenance. Further research is necessary to determine the preventive capability, focusing on assessing long-term outcomes on oral health and any changes in oral health behaviour.