Assessment of dental caries using caries assessment spectrum and treatment index in children of age 5-10 years

Abstract

Introduction: Dental caries is the most prevalent disease of oral health in school-aged children around the world. Although different caries detection/diagnosis criteria are available, none of them includes the total spectrum of dental caries (which ranges from a sound tooth to tooth loss due to caries) other than caries assessment spectrum and treatment (CAST) Index. CAST index covers the total dental caries spectrum from no carious lesion through caries protection (sealant) and caries cure (restoration) to carious lesions in enamel and dentin, and the advanced stages of carious lesion progression in pulp and tooth surrounding tissue. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among children of age 5–10 years to detect the prevalence of dental caries using CAST index in Panchayat Union Primary School in Sundharipalayam and Koot-road (east), Villupuram. A total of 100 samples were selected based on inclusion criteria. Results: Only 33% had sound dentition, 0% had sealant and restoration, presence of caries in enamel and/or dentine ranged from 9% to 33%. Pulpal involvement was observed in 13% and abscess/fistula was present in 7% of participants in at least one tooth. 5% had lost at least one tooth due to caries. Conclusion: CAST index has been found useful in epidemiological surveys, especially in recording early carious lesions. Developers of the CAST index should throw more light on the treatment needs part of the index as well as how each code of this index can be utilized in controlling dental caries in a community.