Abstract
The objective of this three-year prospective cohort study was to investigate the association between a new definition of an increase in dental caries and risk factors in Japanese young adults. Data of Okayama University students who volunteered to undergo oral examinations and answer questionnaires in 2015 and 2018 were analyzed. The status of filled teeth and the status of occlusal/proximal surfaces of filled or decayed teeth were recorded. An increase in dental caries was defined as a change in the status of filled teeth and/or an increase in dental caries of occlusal and proximal surfaces. A total of 393 participants (18.2 ± 0.8 years) were analyzed. First and second molars showed a high prevalence of dental caries. Of the participants, 144 (36.6%) showed an increase in dental caries. In all the participants and in the females, the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) score and history of orthodontic treatment at baseline were significantly associated with an increase in dental caries (p < 0.05) in logistic regression analyses. In the males, the DMFT score and the daily frequency of snacking (≥2) at baseline were significantly associated with an increase in dental caries (p = 0.04). The DMFT score and history of orthodontic treatment at baseline can be risk factors for an increase in dental caries using the new definition in young adults.
Highlights
Dental caries is one of the most prevalent oral diseases worldwide [1]
Global evidence shows that the prevalence of dental caries has been decreasing over the past four decades, this trend is mainly observed in high-income countries, and its decline is seen in 12-year-old children [10,11]
In order to avoid underestimation of dental caries incidence, we focused on the change in dental restoration, for example, from resin filling to metal inlay, and the increase in the number of dental surfaces with a history of caries in each tooth
Summary
Dental caries is one of the most prevalent oral diseases worldwide [1]. It has negative impacts on oral health and quality of life [2] and is one of the main reasons for the extraction of permanent teeth in Japan [3]. The dental caries prevalence among school children has decreased over the last 30 years [12]. Dental caries prevalence is still high in young adults and increases from 31.76% at 12 years of age to 47.95% at 17 years of age [12]. Dental caries remains a major problem and should be a focus in the promotion of oral health in young adults
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