Prediction

Objective: To evaluate a combination of the modified Saliva check SMTM and the quantitative saliva sIgA method in predicting dental caries risk. Methods: We developed a caries risk quick assessment system using Saliva-check sIgA that specifically recognizes secretary IgA (sIgA) in saliva against the binding site of the mutans streptococci (MS) to the salivary-coated tooth surface; and combined it with modified Saliva-check SMTM to determine number of MS. One hundred eighty three patients (80 females, 103 males), who participated in 2005 (average age 77 years-old) and in 2006 (78 years old), were assessed for caries risk using the systems in the cohort study. Results: Subjects with a positive Saliva-check sIgA showed a significantly lower increment of decayed and filled teeth number (DFT) and root decayed and filled teeth number (RDFT) in coronal surface during the following 1 year than those with Saliva-check negative sIgA. The combination of Saliva-check sIgA and modified Saliva-check SMTM showed that subjects with Saliva-check sIgA positive and modified Saliva-check SMTM negative had less than half of increment of DFT and RDFT than other groups. More than 90% (82/89) of patients with >5X105 MS were belong to groups except sIgA(+)SM(-) at examination of 2006. These results suggest that subjects belonging to groups except Saliva-check sIgA positive and modified Saliva-check SMTM negative may need extensive care. Conclusion: New combination system may evaluate the caries risk to predict future incidence and a real time status for dental caries; and may be useful for risk diagnosis of caries in a dental office.