Cariogram Internet Version, 2004 1

CARIOGRAM
MANUAL

a new and interactive way of illustrating

the interaction of factors contributing
to the development of dental caries

D. Bratthall, G Hänsel Petersson, JR Stjernswärd

Cariogram, Internet Version 2.01.

April 2, 2004

Special conditions for use of the Internet Version, see:

http://www.db.od.mah.se/car/cariogram/cariograminfo.html
Copyright: D. Bratthall, Sweden
A Swedish version of the manual, Cariogram Handboken,
was published in 1997 by Förlagshuset Gothia, Stockholm.
Cover picture: GL Tayanin.
PREFACE................................................................................................................................................................4

INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................................5
CARIOGRAM – AIMS...................................................................................................................................................................................5
CARIES RISK.................................................................................................................................................................................................5
Which factors are to be considered in the estimation of caries risk?............................................................... 6
‘WEIGHTS’ - THE RELATIVE IMPACT OF FACTORS............................................................................................................................6
CARIOGRAM - THE FIVE SECTORS.........................................................................................................................................................8
WHAT DOES ‘CHANCE TO AVOID CARIES’ REALLY IMPLY?.....................................................................................9
HOW TO USE THE CARIOGRAM...................................................................................................................10
START PROGRAM.......................................................................................................................................................................................10
HINTS - INFORMATIVE TEXT.................................................................................................................................................................10
FUNCTIONS.................................................................................................................................................................................................11
Identifying (registering) your patient..............................................................................................................11
New screen...................................................................................................................................................... 12
COLOURS OF THE DIFFERENT SECTORS.............................................................................................................................................13
SETTINGS FOR ‘COUNTRY/AREA’........................................................................................................................ 13
SETTINGS FOR ‘GROUP’.......................................................................................................................................14
GIVING SCORES FOR THE DIFFERENT FACTORS..............................................................................................................................14
CARIES RELATED FACTORS ACCORDING TO THE PROGRAM.......................................................................................................15
ESTIMATION OF THE CARIES RISK. HOW TO BUILD THE CARIOGRAM?.................................................................16
PRELIMINARY INTERPRETATION AND PROPOSED MEASURES.....................................................................................................18
PRINT OUT...................................................................................................................................................................................................19
SAVE..............................................................................................................................................................................................................20
CARIOGRAM AND PRELIMINARY INTERPRETATION; EXAMPLE.................................................................................................21
CARIOGRAM: EXPLANATION FOR THE SCORES TO BE ENTERED..................................................22
CARIES EXPERIENCE (CARIES PREVALENCE)........................................................................................................22
Caries experience (caries prevalence): How to calculate DMF-Teeth?.........................................................22
RELATED GENERAL DISEASES..............................................................................................................................................................25
DIET, CONTENTS.......................................................................................................................................................................................26
DIET, FREQUENCY....................................................................................................................................................................................27
PLAQUE, AMOUNT....................................................................................................................................................................................28
MUTANS STREPTOCOCCI........................................................................................................................................................................29
FLUORIDE PROGRAMME.........................................................................................................................................................................30
SALIVA SECRETION - AMOUNT.............................................................................................................................................................31
SALIVA BUFFER CAPACITY.....................................................................................................................................................................32
CLINICAL JUDGEMENT............................................................................................................................................................................33
SALIVA AND BACTERIOLOGICAL TEST METHODS...............................................................................35
ESTIMATION OF THE RATE OF FLOW OF ‘STIMULATED’ SALIVA................................................................................................35
EVALUATION OF THE SALIVA BUFFER CAPACITY............................................................................................................................36
ESTIMATION OF MUTANS STREPTOCOCCI IN SALIVA....................................................................................................................37
ESTIMATION OF LACTOBACILLI IN SALIVA.......................................................................................................................................38
PLAQUE INDEX (PI) ACCORDING TO SILNESS-LÖE......................................................................................................................39
CARIES RISK ASSESSMENT - 5 CASE REPORTS.......................................................................................40
CASE 1. PATIENT B.O. MALE, 28 YEARS OLD, FIREMAN...........................................................................................................40
CASE 2. PATIENT J.K. FEMALE, 54 YEARS OLD, SECRETARY...................................................................................................42
CASE 3. PATIENT B.P. FEMALE, 32 YEARS OLD, TEACHER........................................................................................................44
CASE 4. PATIENT C M. MALE, 74 YEARS OLD. RETIRED..........................................................................................................46
CASE 5. PATIENT H.U. FEMALE, 22 YEARS OLD. STUDENT.....................................................................................................48
MORE INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET............................................................................................... 50
Preface
The 'Cariogram' is a new concept, conceived initially as an educational model, aiming at
illustrating the multifactorial background of dental caries in a simple way. It has gradually
evolved over a long period of time until it became a reality, which I now wish to share with
the dental profession, students, patients as well as with anyone else interested in this field.

Dental caries is a common, global disease. Although caused directly by bacteria on the teeth,
it is generally accepted that a large number of different factors are involved in the process.
The interactions of these factors determine if the disease - and cavities - will occur or not.
This complex background may be subject for several long and interesting discussions among
scientists. Nevertheless, caries has to be explained in a simple, comprehensive way to people
and patients, often under time pressure for the dental professionals.

What is a Cariogram? It is a graphical picture illustrating in an interactive way the

individual's/patient's risk for developing new caries in the future, simultaneously expressing
to what extent different etiological factors of caries affect the caries risk for that particular
patient. However, the Cariogram does never specify a particular number of cavities that will
or will not occur in the future. It rather illustrates a possible over-all risk scenario, based on
what can be expected depending on our interpretation of available information. Cariogram as
an interactive PC-program has been developed for educational, preventive and clinical
purposes.

The Swedish version of the Cariogram was first launched officially in November 1997 after
extensive trials. It has since then been translated into several languages to be used in different
countries. It is our belief that the Cariogram, as an educational model, can be generalised. The
main principles are "true" also in other societies. On the other hand, the "weights" used for
the individual factors may be different in different countries. This means that the user of the
program should always be observant to potential unexpected results in relation to his or her
own clinical experience. The possibility to use one of the program's factors, the "clinical
judgement of the operator" should therefore not be overlooked in this context.

Likewise, the factor, "Caries experience" of the patient in the past, should be related to local
epidemiological data. Such data, mentioned in the manual, are examples from Sweden and the
UK and values for "normal" thus reflects the situation for a westernised country. If used in
countries with a very different caries situation, the local values for "normal" past caries
experience should therefore be used.

Professor D. Bratthall developed the concept and the formula for the Cariogram. The PC
version was created in collaboration with Dr L. Allander and K-O. Lybegård B.Sc., and the
manual was written by D. Bratthall, G. Hänsel Petersson and J.R. Stjernswärd.

This manual explains and gives a guided tour of the Cariogram with additional relevant
information on Cariology. I thank all the collaborators, and I wish any user good luck - please
look at the Cariogram only as an assistant or a helper - not as your master.

Douglas Bratthall
Introduction
Cariogram is a new way in which to illustrate the interaction between caries
related factors. This educational interactive program has been developed for better
understanding of the multifactorial aspects of dental caries and to act as a guide in
the attempts to estimate the caries risk. This program can be used in a clinical set
up or for various educational purposes.

The main purpose of the Cariogram is to demonstrate the caries risk graphically,
expressed as the ”Chance to avoid new caries” (i.e. to avoid getting new cavities
or ‘holes’) in the near future. It also illustrates to what extent various factors
affect this ‘Chance’. A further purpose of this program is to encourage preventive
measures to be introduced before new cavities could develop.

Cariogram – aims
• Illustrates the interaction of caries related factors.
• Illustrates the chance to avoid caries.
• Expresses caries risk graphically.
• Recommends targeted preventive actions.
• Can be used in the clinic.
• Can be used as an educational programme.

This program cannot replace the personal and professional judgement of caries
risk made by the examiner. However, it may give valuable hints and may even
serve as a basis for discussions with the patient regarding various risk factors and
preventive strategies. In other words, it does not take over the judgement or the
responsibilities of the examiner, but may serve as a valuable tool in the clinical
decision-making.

Caries risk
Generally speaking, ‘risk’ is the probability that some harmful event will occur.
Risk is often defined as the probability of an ‘unwanted’ event occurring within
a specified period of time. Caries risk is the probability that an individual will
develop carious lesions, reaching a given stage of the disease in progression
during a specified period of time, conditional that the exposure status for risk
factors remains stable during the period in question. Thus, Caries risk relates to
the likelihood of a person developing caries lesions or not.

The need for predicting the caries risk accurately is obvious, as targeted
preventive actions can be directed to those having a high caries risk, before
cavities could develop. Naturally, if the main etiological factors could be
identified, suitable treatment for that particular individual can be carried out
with good results.

Which factors are to be considered in the estimation of caries risk?

These factors can be divided into two groups:

• Factors immediately involved in the caries process, either as ‘attack’ or

‘defence’ mechanisms, at the site of the development of the lesion. To
this group, on the attack side, the dental plaque, the presence of various
specific microorganisms in the plaque (including mutans streptococci)
and the diet can be included. On the defence side for example, the
salivary protective systems and the fluoride exposure can be
incorporated. These are key factors determining if a caries lesion will
occur or not, at the specific tooth surface they are interacting.

• Factors related to the occurrence of caries, without actually

participating in the development of the lesion. To this group for
example various socio-economic factors and past caries experience
can be added. Such factors can be designated as indicators of caries
risk, but do not participate actually in the ‘making’ of a cavity.

The Cariogram is basically built on the first group of factors (and

‘circumstances’ - yellow sector, see below). This does not mean that the second
group is ignored as these factors indirectly contribute to changes in the factors in
the first group. For example, poor socio-economic factors can affect both oral
hygiene and the diet of an individual negatively.

Factors, to which the tooth surface is directly exposed and which contribute to
the development of the caries lesion, are dependent on ‘dose’, ‘frequency’ and
‘duration’. Each factor therefore has to be considered from this point of view.
For example, a large amount of plaque (high dose) only indicates high risk if
present often (high frequency) and for a longer period of time (long duration).

‘Weights’ - the relative impact of factors

The factors included in the Cariogram have been given different ‘weights’. This
means that the key factors, which support the development of caries, or resist
caries, have a stronger impact than the less important factors when the program
calculates the ‘Chance to avoid new cavities’. The factors are also weighted in
relation to each other. Thus, different factors have different ‘weights’ in
different situations and the number of combinations of factors is enormous.
The given weights are based on thorough search in the literature and evaluation
of results in a large number of scientific publications. In addition, clinical
experience gained from decades of use of saliva tests has been incorporated.
However, it should be understood that there are no actual scientific studies
available that have evaluated all the factors at the same time, for different age
groups and for different areas. Caries risk evaluations cannot be made with
mathematical exactness. For example, it is impossible to say with 100 per cent
certainty that ”this patient will definitely develop five cavities during the coming
year”. On the other hand, it is possible to say that ”based on available
information it seems very likely that this patient will develop several cavities
during the coming year – with this combination of caries related factors, cavities
usually develop”. The Cariogram concept is an attempt to illustrate how a large
set of data can be evaluated - based on both science and art!
Cariogram - the five sectors
The Cariogram, a pie circle-diagram, as seen in the screen, is divided into five
sectors, (see figure below) in the following colours: green, dark blue, red, light
blue and yellow indicating the different groups of factors related to dental caries.
An explanation of each sector follows below.

The green sector shows an estimation of the ‘Actual chance to avoid new
cavities’. The green sector is ‘what is left’ when the other factors have taken their
share!

The dark blue sector ‘Diet’ is based on a combination of diet contents and diet
frequency.

The red sector ‘Bacteria’ is based on a combination of amount of plaque and

mutans streptococci.

The light blue sector ‘Susceptibility’ is based on a combination of fluoride

program, saliva secretion and saliva buffer capacity.

The yellow sector ‘Circumstances’ is based on a combination of past caries

experience and related diseases.
 The bigger the green sector, the better from a dental health point of
view. Small green sector means low chance of avoiding caries = high
caries risk. For the other sectors, the smaller the sector, the better from
a dental health point of view.

In summary, the Cariogram shows if the patient over all is at high, intermediate or
at low risk for caries. It also shows for every individual examined, which
etiological factors are considered responsible for the caries risk. The results also
indicate where targeted actions to improve the situation will have the best effect.

The Cariogram expresses caries risk only. It does not take into account problems
such as fractures of teeth or fillings, discolorations etc that may make new fillings
necessary.

What does ‘Chance to avoid caries’ really imply?

The ‘Chance to avoid caries’ (green sector) and caries risk are explanations for
the same process but expressed inversely. When the chance is high, the risk is
small and vice versa, as shown below.

CARIES RISK CHANCE TO AVOID CARIES CARIOGRAM

High risk = Low chance = Small green sector
Low risk = High chance = Large green sector

Caries risk evaluation can be compared to the weather forecast. To produce an

accurate weather report one needs information on several factors such as
direction of the wind, wind velocity, temperature, humidity of the atmosphere
etc. The meteorologist, when such data are collected and put together, may
forecast that, as for a certain area, there was an 80 % risk for strong winds. For
the listener this means that the risk for strong wind was high but not absolutely
certain. May be the wind will be less strong in some parts of the district.

If the Cariogram shows for example that there was an 80 % chance to avoid
caries, taking into account all the factors, it means an over all 80 % chance in
avoiding new caries in the future. The caries activity will be low provided the
patient does not change his/her behaviour and biological factors on which the
judgement was based on. The Cariogram gives the picture for the ‘whole
patient’, but locally it may be different, for example nearby an overhanging
filling, crown edge or around crowded teeth. Often, it is too time consuming to
make a caries risk evaluation for every tooth site.
The program, in a normal case, never shows 0 % or 100 % chance to avoid
caries (should the figures appear, it is because of decimal rounding up).
Needless to say, the caries risk assessment is complex and one has to be cautious
when interpreting.

How to use the Cariogram

Start program
The Cariogram program runs on PC Windows only. The computer should have a
colour screen. The Internet Version can be downloaded from this address:
http://www.db.od.mah.se/car/cariogram/cariograminfo.html
Follow the instructions given on that page. Then start by clicking the
‘Cariogram’ symbol.

If the program does not fill up the screen, maximise the program the usual way
(you can also double-click on the upper blue line).

Hints - informative text

There are several ‘hints’, informative texts, in the program. Point at the related
texts, figures or icons and if there are informative texts behind, they appear after a
few seconds, be patient!

You do not have to click for the hint but just point. These hints are very useful,
for example, in giving scores for the different factors when building a Cariogram.
Functions
By clicking at the icons in the upper left corner of the screen you get information
about the following functions:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

1. Exit - if you want to close the program

2. New - if you want to get a new empty screen (for a new patient)
3. About - to get facts about the program
4. Help - to get more information on how to run the program
5. Notes - to register and write comments on your patient
6. Preliminary interpretation and proposed measures - targeted preventive
and clinical actions you could take, based on the scores you entered
7. Print - to print the Cariogram or the recommendations

The last two functions do not get activated until a Cariogram appears on the
screen.

Identifying (registering) your patient

Also shown in the upper left of the program, just below the icons, are the data
needed (name, identification number, date of examination and name of the
examiner) to register and identify your patient.

Click open the ‘notes’ icon above and enter the information for every patient you
examine. You can also add your own observations in the space given under
‘comments’. This is only necessary if you would like to maintain records of your
patients and to avoid mix-up of patient records. Close notes by clicking ‘OK’.
The details you just entered on the patient will appear on the upper left corner of
the screen as shown below. This information cannot be saved in the program. We
suggest you print the patient information and maintain together with patient's
records (see 'Save', page 19).

New screen
To get a fresh new screen after entering data for every patient, click the ‘New’
icon, second, in the upper left corner of the screen.
Colours of the different sectors
To the left, at the bottom of the screen, you will find the different sectors of the
Cariogram. Each sector, as mentioned already, has its own colour and represents a
group of factors (see Page 8).

 Actual chance to avoid caries

 Diet
 Bacteria
 Susceptibility
 Circumstances

Hints appear if you move the cursor to the coloured squares or to the
accompanying text and will give you an explanation as to which factor represents
which sector.

Settings for ‘Country/Area’

The impact of different caries related factors may differ between different
countries/areas depending on several background information. ‘Standard set’ is
most suitable for an industrialised country without water fluoridation.

The examiner may want the Cariogram to continuously express somewhat higher
or lower ‘Chances to avoid cavities’ than the standard set and could choose for
Country/Area ‘Low risk’ or ‘High risk’ accordingly. Thus, the ‘Chance to avoid
cavities' becomes bigger or smaller respectively, but the relationship between the
factors Diet/Bacteria/Susceptibility/Circumstances is not affected.
Settings for ‘Group’

A patient may belong to a ‘group’ with higher or lower caries risk compared to
the general population in the area. Example: Elderly patients with exposed root
surfaces have higher risk and the setting ‘High risk’ is appropriate.

If you use the Cariogram to investigate a special group or a population, pre-set

‘Group’ to Standard set, Low risk or High risk according to the group you have in
mind.

Giving scores for the different factors

To build a Cariogram, scores for the caries related factors are entered in the boxes
on the right side of the screen. Again, hints appear when the cursor points at the
text or the scores. Move the cursor to the respective ranges 0-3 or 0-2 and choose
your score (0, 1, 2, or 3) most suitable for your patient, see page 22 for details on
how to score. Click on the ‘arrow’ to choose the right score (start with upward
pointing arrow).
Caries related factors according to the program

Factor Comment Info/data needed

Caries experience Past caries experience, DMFT, DMFS, new caries
including cavities, fillings experience in the past one
and missing teeth due to year.
caries. Several new
cavities definitely
appearing during
preceding year should
score ‘3’ even if number
of fillings is low.
Related general diseases General disease or Medical history,
conditions associated with medications.
dental caries.
Diet, contents Estimation of the Diet history, (lactobacillus
cariogenicity of the food, test count).
in particular fermentable
carbohydrate content.
Diet, frequency Estimation of number of Questionnaire results (24-
meals and snacks per day, h recall or 3 days dietary
mean for a normal day. recall).
Plaque amount Estimation of hygiene, for Plaque index.
example according to
Silness-Löe Plaque Index
(PI). Crowded teeth
leading to difficulties in
removing plaque
interproximally should be
taken into account.
Mutans streptococci Estimation of levels of Strip mutans test or other
mutans streptococci similar test.
(Streptococcus mutans,
Streptococcus sobrinus) in
saliva, for example using
Strip mutans test.
Cont. next page.
Fluoride programme Estimation of as to what Fluoride exposure,
extent fluoride is available interview the patient.
in the oral cavity over the
coming period of time.
Saliva secretion Estimation of amount of Stimulated saliva test -
saliva, for example using secretion rate.
paraffin-stimulated
secretion and expressing
results as ml saliva per
minute.
Saliva buffer capacity Estimation of capacity of Dentobuff test or other
saliva to buffer acids, for similar test.
example using the
Dentobuff test.
Clinical judgement Opinion of dental Opinion of dental
examiner, ‘clinical examiner, ‘clinical
feeling’. Examiners own feeling’. A pre-set score of
clinical and personal score 1 comes automatically.
for the individual patient.

For detailed instructions on how to score for the different components of the
colour sectors, see following section: "Cariogram: Explanation to the scores to be
entered", page 21.

Estimation of the caries risk. How to build the Cariogram?

In order to see a Cariogram develop in the screen, the examiner must give a
score for the different factors, shown in the right hand side of the screen. The
examiner has to gather information accurately by talking with and by examining
the patient. In certain components of the sectors, like saliva and bacteria, further
standard diagnostic test results are needed to give the correct score to build the
Cariogram in the screen. The examiner should have all the relevant information
when using this program so as to get an accurate Cariogram reflecting the
particular patient’s caries profile.
Enter the relevant scores in the boxes to the right by using ‘up’ or ‘down’ arrows
(if no scores in the box, that is if the box is blank, start with ‘up’ arrow). If you
wish to check as to what exactly do the scores mean for the appropriate factor, a
quick reference is shown when you move the cursor to the respective ranges of 0-
3 or 0-2. For all factors, ‘0’ is the best value and ‘3’ (or ‘2’ where 2 is maximum)
is the most unfavourable score. A Cariogram will appear in the middle of the
screen when at least 7 scores have been entered in the boxes. There are 10 caries
related factors and it is therefore possible to enter 10 scores in this program, but
the Cariogram would already appear when only 7 scores have been entered.

The score for the ‘Clinical Feeling’ will automatically come up as ‘1’, which is
the standard. This means that the program estimates the caries risk on basis of the
other entered values. Only if the operator finds special reasons to abandon the
program's point of view, another score should be entered here, see page 33.

If any score is missing in the boxes, a pre-set value will be used (for the
remaining boxes when seven boxes have been filled). Any unfilled box thus
makes the program less specific. To obtain reliable and accurate results it is
therefore best to enter as many scores as possible instead of depending on pre-set
values in the program.

The ‘Chance to avoid cavities’- green sector- will appear as a value between 0 and
100 %. It cannot be negative or more than 100%. It is a favourable situation for
the patient if the green sector (chance to avoid caries) is large. A green sector of
75% or more would indicate a very good chance to avoid new cavities in the
coming year, if conditions are unchanged. A green sector of 25% or less indicates
a very high caries risk.

Preliminary interpretation and proposed measures

A set of suggestions for targeted actions in the form of proposed measures can be
found if you click on the icon ‘Preliminary interpretation' in the upper left corner.
It should be understood that these are some suggestions only and do not give a
full picture of all possibilities. The responsible examiner must decide if suggested
actions, or other actions, are to be carried out or not. Note that the order of the
points is not related to their order of importance.

The Cariogram also helps us to illustrate and explain the situation to the patient.
For ‘high risk’ patients discuss which of the factors the patient is willing to
change and what measures the dental team could consider. Try to use the
Cariogram as an inspiration for the patient to make his/her own efforts.
Demonstrate to the patient how the caries risk can be reduced, that is to make the
green sector bigger, by just changing scores (to the right) for the different factors.
Print out
The program has a print-out function in black and white and colour. You can
choose to print:
 The Cariogram including your own notes
 Preliminary interpretation and proposed measures

When printing, choose if both or only one of the two alternatives should be
printed out.

The patient's registration data (if you have entered this) will also be printed on
the preliminary interpretations to avoid mix-up with other patients. Therefore,
we suggest adding the patient's name, identification number and date of
examination for every patient before printing.

To print in colour, the colour printer must in advance be set as the standard
printer (go via "Start").

Although tested in many settings, we can not guarantee that the print-out
function will work on all combinations of computers/printers. It is also
dependent on the settings of the printer and its graphical capacity. If the PC has
a limited memory capacity, it may be necessary to do separate print outs, that is
do not mark print out for both Cariogram and Preliminary interpretation at the
same time.

Save
Version 2.01 has no particular ‘Save function’. If you want to save any of your
comments under ‘Notes’ in the Cariogram, please copy them to your normal
word processor (use the following commands: Mark the text, use Ctrl+c, open
page in word processor, insert by Ctrl+v). If you hand over the print out to the
patient, it is a good idea to keep a second print out together with your records of
the patient. If you do so, remember to enter the patient’s name, identification
number and date.

There is a way to save a picture of a completed Cariogram in a word processor: When the
Cariogram is filling up the screen, press ‘Print screen’, then press ‘Ctrl + c’, then open a page
in the Word program and paste it into a page with ‘Ctrl + v’. Of course, the Cariogram is not
interactive in this form. (Recommended commands in this section may not apply to all
computers).
Cariogram and Preliminary interpretation; Example.
(The patterns of the sectors in your black and white print-out will look different compared to
the sample and are dependent on the individual computer/printer set up).

...etc
Cariogram: Explanation for the scores to be entered

Caries experience (caries prevalence)

Score Explanation
0 = Cariesfree and no fillings Completely caries-free, no previous
fillings, no cavities or M-missing teeth
due to caries.
1 = Better than normal Better than normal - better status than
normal, for that age group in that area.
2 = Normal for age group Normal status for that age group.
3 = Worse than normal Worse status than normal for age group,
or several new caries-lesions the last
year.

The examiner must have an opinion about the caries prevalence in the
country/area where the patient lives to choose the right score. If there is no
adequate actual epidemiological data, you may use the information in the figure
on the next page for comparison.

Caries experience (caries prevalence): How to calculate DMF-Teeth?

At the clinical examination, number of cavities, fillings and missing teeth should
be recorded. The presence of cavities and fillings, the ‘caries prevalence’ is an
important factor as it illustrates how the balance between resistance factors and
caries inducing factors has been in the past, or may be at present. If the caries
prevalence is high, it means that the patient has been susceptible to the disease
during a past period of time.

DMFT and DMFS are means to numerically express the caries prevalence and are
obtained by calculating the number of Decayed (D), Missing (M) and Filled (F)
teeth (T) or surfaces (S).

It is thus used to get an estimation illustrating how much the dentition so far has
become affected by dental caries. Usually, it is calculated on 28 teeth, excluding
18, 28, 38 and 48 from the index.

The older the patient is, the more unsafe is the DMF-T as a picture of the patients
caries situation, as several teeth could have been extracted because of reasons
other than caries, for example periodontal disease.
A more detailed index is DMF calculated per tooth surface, DMFS. Molars and
premolars are considered having 5 surfaces, front teeth 4 surfaces. A surface with
both caries and filling is scored as D. Maximum value for DMFS comes to 128
(third molars are excluded).

Reference values
There is actually no "normal" level of caries, as different populations have
different caries prevalence. In using the Cariogram, local epidemiological surveys
can be used. We present below an example from Sweden and from the UK.

DMFT values for different age groups based on the so called Jönköping’s epidemiological
survey in 1993.

 The blue curve in the middle represents values from the Jönköping, Sweden, survey and
represents a mean value for different age groups in that area.
 If the patient has a DMFT value above the upper red curve, it will be classified as
‘worse’ than ‘normal’.
 If the patient has a DMFT below the lower green curve, it will be classified as ‘better
than normal’.
 DMFT between the green and the red curves will be classified as ‘normal’. Observe
though, that with the ongoing dental health improvement the area ‘normal’ will
continuously change for the better.

Example: A 30-year-old man with a DMFT = 11 will be as normal for his age
group. A 45-year-old with a DMFT = 13 is ‘better than normal’. A 55-year-old
with a DMFT = 25 is ‘worse than normal’.

The values given in the diagram represent figures for a county surrounding and
including a medium size city in the middle of South Sweden. This data is
compatible for several Western European countries. However, the DMFT value
for the younger age groups such as 20 and 30 maybe less by about 2 DMFT due
the improving caries situation seen in the young.

As a further reference, we show the number of sound, decayed and filled teeth
for different age groups in the UK.

Oral Health, UK 1998

32
30
28
26
24
22
20
18
Number of Teeth

16
14 Filled
12 Decayed Sound
10
8
6
4
2
0
16 to 24

25 to 3435 to 44 45 - 54 55 - 65 65 +

Reference: Adult Dental Health Survey. Oral Health in the United Kingdom 1998. Office for
National Statistics.
Related general diseases

Score Explanation
0 = No disease There are no signs of general diseases of
importance related to dental caries. The
patient is ‘healthy’.
1 = Disease/conditions, mild degree A general disease, which can indirectly
influence the caries process, or other
conditions which can contribute to
higher caries risk, e.g. poor eye-sight,
inability to move.
2 = Severe degree, long-lasting Patient could be bed-ridden or may need
continous medication for example
affecting the saliva secretion.

Several general diseases or conditions can directly or indirectly influence the

caries process, either through affecting saliva formation and composition, through
a caries-inducing dietary pattern or through medicines. Diseases or conditions in
early childhood may have influenced the formation of the enamel.

For example:
 autoimmune diseases, like Sjögren's syndrome
 intake of medicines
 radiation towards the head-neck region

A more detailed information is given on Internet, see page:

http://www.db.od.mah.se/car/data/collback.html

Other problems and handicaps should be taken into consideration. For example,
poor eye-sight may affect correct oral hygiene measures. Handicapped patients
could have difficulties in cleaning their teeth properly.
Diet, contents

Score Explanation
0 = Very low fermentable carbohydrate, Very low fermentable carbohydrate,
extremely ‘good’ diet from the caries
point of view. Sugars or other caries-
inducing carbohydrates on a very low
level. Lowest lactobacillus class needed
to support a zero.
1 = Low fermentable carbohydrate, ‘non- Low fermentable carbohydrate, ‘non-
cariogenic’ diet cariogenic’ diet, appropriate diet from a
caries perspective. Sugars or other caries
inducing carbohydrates on a low level.
Diet, as for an ‘informed’ group.
2 = Moderate fermentable carbohydrate Moderate fermentable carbohydrate
content content. Diet with relatively high content
of sugars or other caries inducing
carbohydrates.
3 = High fermentable carbohydrate intake Inappropriate diet from a caries
inappropriate diet perspective. High intake of sugar or
other caries inducing carbohydrates.
Diet plays a key role in the development of dental caries, and a correlation
between consumption of fermentable carbohydrates and caries has been
demonstrated in several studies, especially where an effective preventive
fluoride program is absent. Fermentable carbohydrates include dietary sugars
(mainly sucrose, glucose, fructose) and cooked starches, which can be broken
down rapidly by salivary amylase to fermentable sugars (glucose, maltose and
maltotriose). Thus most eating occasions are potentially cariogenic. However,
there are different types of artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes such as
cyclamate, asparatame, saccharin and sugar alcohols like sorbitol, xylitol and
isomalt that are non-cariogenic.

A good support for diet counselling is the use of saliva tests, like the
lactobacillus test. A high lactobacillus count may indicate high carbohydrate
consumption. Note that retention areas, open cavities or bad fillings could
contribute to a high lactobacillus count. One way of measuring lactobacilli is
using the ‘Dentocult® LB’ method. See section "Estimation of lactobacilli in
saliva" for more detailed information about the test in the clinic.
Diet, frequency

Score Explanation
0 = Maximum three meals per day Very low diet intake frequency, a
(including snacks) maximum of three times per 24 hour as
a mean under a longer time period.
1 = Maximum five meals per day Low diet intake frequency, a maximum
of five times per 24 hour, as a mean.
2 = Maximum seven meals per day High diet intake frequency, a
maximum of seven times per 24 hour,
as a mean.
3 = More than seven meals per day Very high diet intake frequency, a
mean of more than seven times per 24
hour.

Frequency of intake of fermentable carbohydrates is one of the key factors in the

estimation of caries risk. Even a small snack - a biscuit or a sweet - contributes to
acid production. However, a snack of only sugar-free (‘tooth-safe’) products, or
water, should not be taken into consideration.

There are several methods available by which a patient can be evaluated. For
example: intake frequency questionnaire, the interview method (24-h recall)
where you search for a typical dietary pattern in an ordinary day's intake and the
dietary record method (usually three days record) where the patient writes down
the amount and type of diet for three ordinary days including a weekend day (of
course avoiding birthdays and Christmas days!).
Plaque, amount
Score Explanation
0 = Extremely good oral hygiene, Plaque No plaque, all teeth surfaces are very
Index, PI < 0.4 clean. Very ‘oral hygiene conscious’
patient, uses both tooth brush and inter-
dental cleaning.
1 = Good oral hygiene, PI = 0.4-1.0 A film of plaque adhering to the free
gingival margin and adjacent area of the
tooth. The plaque may be seen in situ
only after application of disclosing
solution or by using the probe on the
tooth surface.
2 = Less than good oral hygiene, PI = Moderate accumulation of soft deposits,
1.1- 2.0 which can be seen with the naked eye.
3 = Poor oral hygiene, PI > 2.0 Abundance of soft matter within the
gingival pocket and/or on the tooth and
gingival margin. The patient is not
interested in cleaning the teeth or has
difficulties in cleaning. You feel like
cleaning his/her teeth thoroughly,
professionally and immediately!

Plaque is the direct and important etiological factor for caries (and periodontitis).
Different indices could be used to estimate the amount of plaque, for example, to
express in per cent how many surfaces are affected. If you are using another
criteria other than the Plaque Index used in the table above, then try to convert
your scores to a scale of four with ‘0’ for the best score and ‘3’ for the most
unfavourable situation.

See section "Plaque Index (PI) according to Silness-Löe" for more detailed
information.
Mutans streptococci

Score Explanation
0 = Strip mutans class 0 Very low or zero amount of mutans
streptococci in saliva. Only about 5% of
the tooth surface colonised by the
bacteria.
1 = Strip mutans class 1 Low levels of mutans streptococci in
saliva. About 20% of the tooth surfaces
colonised by the bacteria.
2 = Strip mutans class 2 High amount of mutans streptococci in
saliva. About 60% of the tooth surfaces
colonised by the bacteria.
3= Strip mutans class 3 Very high amounts of mutans
streptococci in the saliva. More than
80% of the tooth surfaces colonised by
the bacteria.

Mutans streptococci refer to a group of bacteria, mainly Streptococcus mutans

and Streptococcus sobrinus, considered to play a particular active role in the
development of caries, especially in the early stages of the lesion formation. They
grow on solid surfaces in the mouth, that is teeth or on crowns, bridges or
dentures. They have a localised way of growing which means that in one and the
same mouth some teeth may carry the bacteria, while others do not. The saliva
test indicates how many tooth surfaces that are colonised. Note also that Strip
mutans class 0 does not mean that the patient is completely free from this
bacterial species.

Mutans streptococci are acidogenic and aciduric meaning that they can produce
acids which can dissolve the tooth substance and that they can survive and even
produce acids in a low pH environment. They can also produce extracellular
glucans, which helps them to adhere to the tooth surfaces.

For section "Estimation of Mutans streptococci in saliva" for more detailed

information about the Strip Mutans test.
Fluoride programme
Score Explanation
0 = Receives ‘maximum’ fluoride Fluoride toothpaste plus constant use of
programme additional measures - tablets or rinsings
and varnishes. A ‘maximum’ fluoride
program.
1 = Additional F measures, infrequently Fluoride toothpaste plus some additional
measures - tablets or rinsings and
varnishes infrequently.
2 = Fluoride toothpaste only Fluoride toothpaste only, no
supplements.
3 = Avoiding fluorides, no fluoride Avoiding fluorides, not using fluoride
toothpastes or other fluoride measures.

Fluoride is a very strong factor inducing resistance to caries and of importance for
remineralisation of early caries lesions. Unfortunately there is no simple test
available to estimate the fluorides in the mouth which means that the relevant
information on fluorides has to be obtained by patient interviews only.
Saliva secretion - amount

Values below for adults

Score Explanation
0 = Normal saliva secretion Normal saliva secretion, more than 1.1
ml stimulated saliva per minute.
1 = Low, 0.9 - 1.1 ml stimulated Low, from 0.9 to less than 1.1 ml
saliva/min stimulated saliva per minute.
2 = Low, 0.5- 0.9 ml saliva/min Low, from 0.5 to less than 0.9 ml
stimulated saliva per minute.
3= Very low, Xerostomia, <0.5 ml Very low saliva secretion, dry mouth,
saliva/min less than 0.5 ml saliva per minute;
problem judged to be long-standing.

Estimation of the saliva flow rate (amount of saliva) can be done in the clinic
using simple methods. The patient’s subjective symptoms of a dry mouth, lack of
saliva, and saliva volumes are not always correct, and an objective test method is
recommended.

If a reduced flow is recorded, one can normally expect that not only the amount
but also the quality of the saliva is changed to the worse. Medication, radiation
therapy to head and neck that affect the salivary glands, salivary stones, anorexia
nervosa, autoimmune diseases and diabetes mellitus are examples of reasons for
the low secretion rate. Try to judge if the low secretion rate is of a temporary
cause or if it is long-lasting. Choose values from the table above so they represent
the saliva secretion rate over a long period of time.

In measuring saliva flow rate, one can either choose ‘unstimulated’ or

‘stimulated’ saliva secretion. They are often but not always co-related. If one is
uncertain, both types of saliva should be measured.

A detailed description of how to measure stimulated saliva secretion in the clinic

is given in section "Estimation of the rate of flow of 'stimulated' saliva".
Saliva buffer capacity

Score Explanation
0 = Adequate, Dentobuff blue Normal or good buffer capacity, Saliva
end - pH > 6.0
1 = Reduced, Dentobuff green Less than good buffer capacity, Saliva
end- pH 4.5-5.5
2= Low, Dentobuff yellow Low buffer capacity, Saliva end - pH
<4.0

The saliva has several important protective functions, both for teeth and for oral
mucosal surfaces. In particular, its clearance of food debris, sugars and acids from
the oral cavity is important for caries protection. Several buffer systems try to
keep pH close to neutral. Buffer capacity is one saliva factor that can be
measured.

A simple chairside method called Dentobuff ® Strip can be used to measure the
saliva buffering capacity.

See section "Evaluation of the saliva buffer capacity" for a more detailed
information.
Clinical judgement
Opinion of the dental examiner, ‘Clinical feeling’.

Score Explanation
0 = More positive than what the The total impression of the caries
Cariogram shows based on the scores situation, including social factors, gives
entered a positive view, more positive than what
the Cariogram seems to indicate. The
examiner would like to make the green
sector bigger, i.e. improve the ‘Chance
to avoid caries’ for the patient.
1= Normal setting! Risk according to The total impression of the caries
the other values entered situation, including social factors, gives
a view, in line with what the tests and the
other factors seem to indicate and points
to the same caries risk as in the
Cariogram. The examiner does not have
any reason to change the program's
inbuilt evaluation.
2= Worse than what the Cariogram The total impression of the caries
shows based on the scores entered situation, including social factors, points
in the direction of increased caries risk.
Less than good compared to what the
tests and the other factors seem to
indicate. The examiner would like to
make the green sector smaller, which is
to reduce the ‘Chance to avoid caries’.
3 = Very high caries risk, examiner is The total impression of the caries
convinced that caries will develop, situation, including social factors, is very
irrespective of what the Cariogram bad. The examiner is very sure that
shows based on the scores entered caries will occur the coming year and
would want the green sector to be
minimal, irrespective of the Cariogram
results. The examiner overrules the
program's inbuilt estimation.

This factor is on principle different from the other factors. It gives an opportunity
for the examiner to express his/her ‘Clinical feeling’, if the opinion differs from
the program's inbuilt estimation.
Note: ‘Clinical judgement’ is automatically pre-set to score 1. That value will let
the other factors express the ‘chance to avoid new cavities’ according to the
program. If you have a reason to believe that the ‘Chances’ are better or worse,
change to lower or higher values respectively.

Note: If one wishes to change the ‘clinical feeling’ (not agree to the normal
setting) it should be done last. In other words, let the Cariogram build-up from the
other factors and then include the score for judgement. Naturally, if there is a
valid reason pointing to disagree (better or worse) with the Cariogram result,
scoring accurately for the clinical judgement is very relevant.

Reasons that could affect the clinical feeling and motivate for other score than ‘1’
could be the examiners opinion of the patient’s interest for preventive actions,
her/his capacity to understand given advice, the examiner’s opinion of the
rightness of, for example, the diet situation, judgement of clinical examination or
if the test results actually reflect the condition over a long period of time.

The score ‘0’could be taken into consideration if other preventive actions have
been installed which are not expressed in the factors of the program. The score ‘3’
has the greatest input (weight) of all the factors of the program, it means that you
actually do not need the Cariogram, because you overrule the judgement of the
program.

At the same time, the possibility to use the score ‘3’ shows that the examiner has
the final responsibility of the total judgement. The score ‘0’ does not have the
corresponding great positive input (weight) because it is not reasonable to believe
that the caries risk could be non-existent if several bad factors are present.
Saliva and bacteriological test methods
The tests should be done in the beginning of a treatment session or at a separate
occasion and at least an hour after a meal, toothbrushing or smoking. It is
important that the patient is relaxed and calm. The patient should not be sick or
unfit. The tests should not be done in the middle of a treatment procedure for
example after an injection with local anaesthesia or after cavity preparation. The
patient should not be on any antibiotics during the past one month.

Estimation of the rate of flow of ‘stimulated’ saliva

Materials needed for the test: Paraffin and measuring cup or glass.
1. The patient should neither eat nor smoke for one hour prior to sampling.

2. The patient should be seated in an upright, relaxed position.

3. A paraffin pellet is given to the patient to chew for 30 seconds, then to

spit out the accumulated saliva or swallow it.

4. The patient then continues to chew for five minutes, with the
accumulated saliva collected continuously into a measuring glass. Time
could be reduced if secretion rate is high, prolonged if rate is low.

5. After 5 minutes, the amount of saliva is measured and the secretion

rate calculated. Example: 3.5 ml in 5 min = 0.7 ml/min

Normal saliva secretion is more than approximately 1 ml/min.

*
If all the tests are performed at the same occasion, a practical order can be:
 measure secretion rate
 use some of the collected saliva for buffer capacity
 Strip mutans test
 use remaining saliva for lactobacillus test.
The tests are presented in the following pages in this order.
Evaluation of the saliva buffer capacity
Dentobuff Strip is a quick and easy way to determine salivary buffering capacity.
An indicator system incorporated in the test strip changes colour, clearly showing
the buffer capacity of the saliva.

1. Place a Dentobuff test strip, test pad facing up, on an absorbent surface
like a paper towel, without touching the test pad.
2. Use the enclosed pipette to apply a drop of stimulated saliva (see
estimation of rate of flow of saliva) to the test pad, enough to cover the
entire pad.
3. After exactly 5-minute reaction time, compare the colour that has
developed on the test pad with the Dentobuff Strip Colour Chart (see
fig).

When a drop of collected saliva is added to the test pad of the strip, the saliva
starts to dissolve acids which have been dried into the test pad, which also
contains pH sensitive dyes. This test system discriminates between low (yellow),
medium (green) and high (blue) buffer capacity, see fig.

Low Medium High

Special note: The colour reaction can be uneven or mixed. In that case, evaluate
buffer capacity according to the colour indicating the lowest value.
If reaction is difficult to interpret, repeat the test.
Estimation of Mutans streptococci in saliva
Dentocult SM is used to estimate the Streptococcus mutans count in saliva. The
method is based on the use of a selective culture broth and the adherence of
mutans streptococci to the test strip.

Method:
1. Take a bacitracin disc from the vial using a forceps or a needle. Do not
forget to close the cap tightly back.
2. Put the bacitracin disc into the culture broth vial and let it stand for at least
15 minutes.
3. Give the patient a paraffin pellet to chew for at least one minute. Chewing
results in mutans bacteria moving from the tooth surfaces to the saliva.
4. Take one strip mutans test from the container, touching only the square
end. Insert 2/3 of the strip into the patient’s mouth and rotate it on the
surface of the tongue about 10 times. The strip should not be rubbed on the
tongue, only wetted well.
5. Remove the Strip mutans from the tongue, pulling it between closed lips
in order to remove any excess saliva.
6. Place the Strip mutans in the culture medium. The cap should remain
1/4 open. Hold the vial upright.
7. Fill in the data on the patient label and attach it to the vial.
8. Place the culture vial in an incubator at 35-37 ºC (95-99 ºF) and incubate
for 48 hours.

After incubation allow the test strip to dry and evaluate the strip now or later. The
strip can be conserved for several years.

The number of mutans streptococci per ml saliva is obtained by comparing the

test strip with evaluation chart and classified, see fig.

0 1 2 3
The so-called Strip Mutans test is based on the ability of mutans streptococci to grow on solid
surface in combination with a selective broth (high sucrose concentration in combination with
bacitracin). As the bacitracin can be added to the broth just before use, the shelf-life of the test
can be prolonged considerably. Colony density, CFU/ml, is then counted. Four classes are used
for this bacterial test.
Estimation of lactobacilli in saliva
Dentocult LB is a dip-slide method for estimating the salivary lactobacillus count.
It consists of a slide with a selective substrate for Lactobacillus.

Method:
1. Let the patient chew on the enclosed paraffin pellet for at least one
minute (if saliva is not already collected for secretion rate assessment)
2. Collect the stimulated saliva in the test tube.
3. Remove the nutrient medium from the culture vial without touching
the agar surfaces.
4. Pour saliva from the test tube over both agar surfaces, making sure that
they are totally wetted.
5. Allow the excess saliva to drip off, then screw the slide tightly back into
the culture vial.
6. Write the patient's name and date of sampling on the enclosed label and
stick it on the culture vial.
7. Place the culture vial in an upright position in an incubator for four days
at
35 ºC / 95 ºF.

After incubation - remove the nutrient agar slide from the culture vial after four
days. Compare the colony density on the agar surfaces with the densities of the
model chart. See fig.

Note: Other microorganism can grow on Dentocult. Often that is not a big
problem if the slide is incubated in an incubator. If incubated in room
temperature, the risk for growing of yeast-fungus increases.

103 104 105 106

Plaque Index (PI) according to Silness-Löe
As a suitable index to estimate the amount of plaque, we have chosen Plaque
Index, PI, according to Silness and Löe. PI assesses the amount of plaque in the
cervical part of the tooth. Four sites on each tooth are recorded, buccal, lingual
and proximal surfaces.

PI 0= No plaque

PI 1= A film of plaque adhering to the free gingival margin and adjacent

area of the tooth. The plaque may be seen in situ only after application of
disclosing solution or by using the probe on the tooth surface.

PI 2= Moderate accumulation of soft deposits within the gingival pocket or

on the tooth and gingival margin which can be seen with the naked eye.

PI 3= Abundance of soft matter within the gingival pocket and/or on the

tooth and gingival margin

The Index for the four surfaces is summarized and split by 4, which gives an
index for the tooth. If the index for all teeth are summarized and split by the
number of included teeth, you get the index for the patient. In the original article
Silness and Löe used six teeth: 16, 12, 24 and 36, 32, 44.

The measurement could of course include all teeth to give a more representative
value. The use of a disclosing solution is recommended to visualise plaque
bacteria to the patient, and it also makes it easier to record.
Reference: Silness J, Löe H, 1964. Periodontal disease in pregnancy. Acta Odont
Scand 22: 121-135.

If you use a % index, for example expressing the % (percentage) of how many
tooth surfaces are covered with plaque, you should try to express the values to a
scale of four grades. An example:

PI 0 Less than 5% plaque adhering surfaces.

PI 1 5-20 % plaque adhering surfaces.
PI 2 >20-50% plaque adhering surfaces.
PI 3 More than 50% plaque adhering surfaces.

For more info about Plaque Indices, see:

http://www.whocollab.od.mah.se/expl/ohiintrod.html
Caries risk assessment - 5 case reports

Case 1. Patient B.O. Male, 28 years old, fireman.

The patient is a 28 years old fireman with irregular working-hours. He is fit and
takes no medicines. He says that he ”always has had many holes (cavities) in his
teeth”. Clinically, one can see big buccal lesions in the lower jaw. The x-rays
show approximal, incipient caries. He uses fluoride toothpaste and brushes his
teeth twice a day. Irregular food intake. Smoker.
Score
Caries experience Many caries lesions. 5 years since last visit 3
to a dentist.

Related diseases The patient is ‘healthy’, no medical 0

treatment.

Diet, contents Improper diet from a caries perspective. 10 3

cups of coffee every day with sugar.

Diet, frequency Irregular food intake, snacks often. 3

Bacteria, amount Brushes twice a day. No interapproximal 2

tooth cleaning. Plaque index 2.

Mutans Class 2. 2
streptococci
Fluoride Uses fluoride toothpaste, no other fluoride 2
programme treatment.

Saliva secretion Normal (2,2 ml/min). 0

Saliva buffer Reduced buffering capacity (green). 1

capacity

Suggestions for preventive and clinical actions - use the Cariogram.

Case 1.

Cariogram picture:
 Case 2. Patient J.K. Female, 54 years old, secretary

The patient is a 54 years old woman, and she is working as a secretary. The
patient is healthy. The reason for her visit to the dentist is her discoloured teeth
in the lower jaw. She has a dental bridge in the upper jaw and root caries in the
lower jaw, which seems to be arrested. Eats three meals per day, diet being of
'improper' - caries promoting - composition. Meals in-between consisting of
coffee with sugar and a cake. The patient uses fluoride toothpaste and brushes
her teeth in the morning and in the evening. No tobacco.
score
Caries experience Worse status than normal for the age group. 3

Related diseases The patient is healthy. 0

Diet, contents Unsuitable diet from a caries perspective. 3

High sugar intake. High lactobacillus counts.

Diet, frequency Maximum five times per 24 hour as a mean. 1

Bacteria, amount Less than good oral hygiene. Plaque index 2. 2

Mutans Class 2. 2
streptococci

Fluoride Fluoride toothpaste only. 2

programme
Saliva secretion Normal saliva secretion. 0

Saliva buffer Adequate buffering capacity (blue). 0

capacity

Suggestions for preventive and clinical actions - use the Cariogram.

Case 2.

Cariogram picture:
Case 3. Patient B.P. Female, 32 years old, teacher

The patient is a 32 years old woman and is a teacher. She is healthy and has a
normal status for the age group. The clinical examination shows, however,
visible plaque and inflammation of the gums, gingivitis. Less than good oral
hygiene. Brushes twice a day and uses fluoride toothpaste. Eats three meals per
day and two meals in-between. Food intake with moderate caries inducing
capacity. None smoker.
score
Caries experience Normal status for the age group. 2

Related diseases The patient is healthy. 0

Diet, contents Moderate diet from caries perspective. 2

Diet, frequency Low diet intake frequency. Maximum five 1

times per day.

Bacteria, amount Less than good oral hygiene. Plaque index 2. 2

Mutans Class 1. 1
streptococci

Fluoride Uses fluoride toothpaste. 2

programme

Saliva secretion Normal saliva secretion. 0

Saliva buffer Reduced buffering capacity (green). 1

capacity

Suggestions for preventive and clinical actions - use the Cariogram.

Case 3.

Cariogram picture:
Case 4. Patient C M. Male, 74 years old. Retired.

The patient is a 74 years old man and is a retired engineer. He has been treated
for periodontal problems. Has a dental bridge in the upper jaw. The patient is
healthy but has poor eyesight. He eats three times per day. In-between also
takes snacks consisting of coffee and a sandwich. He has stopped smoking.

score
Caries experience Normal status for the age group 2

Related diseases Healthy. Poor eyesight. 1

Diet, contents ‘Non-cariogenic’ diet from a caries 1

perspective.

Diet, frequency 1-2 meals in-between. Coffee without sugar. 1

Bacteria, amount Brushes twice a day. Uses interapproximal 2

cleaning. Plaque index is still 2.

Mutans Class 2. 2
streptococci

Fluoride Uses fluoride toothpaste and fluoride tablets 1

programme every day.

Saliva secretion Normal (1.8 ml/min). 0

Saliva buffer Adequate buffering capacity (blue). 0

capacity

Suggestions for preventive and clinical actions - use the Cariogram.

Case 4.

Cariogram picture:
Case 5. Patient H.U. Female, 22 years old. Student.

The patient is a woman, 22 years old, who likes sports. She visits the dentist on
a regular basis. She thinks that her teeth ”are yellow”, discoloured. Eats three
times per day and 1-2 meals in-between. She is well informed about diet. Good
oral hygiene, brushes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and uses dental floss.
Chews fluoride chewing-gum.

score
Caries experience Better status than normal for the age group. 1

Related diseases Healthy. 0

Diet, contents Appropriate diet from caries perspective. 1

Diet, frequency Regular food intake. Low diet intake 1

frequency.

Bacteria, amount Brushes twice a day. Uses dental floss. 1

Plaque index 1.

Mutans Class 1. 1
streptococci

Fluoride Uses fluoride toothpaste and occasionally 1

programme fluoride chewing-gum.

Saliva secretion Normal saliva secretion (2.1 ml/min). 0

Saliva buffer Adequate buffering capacity (blue). 0

capacity

Suggestions for preventive and clinical actions - use the Cariogram.

Case 5.

Cariogram picture:
More information on the Internet
A wealth of information on caries and related factors can be found in the
Internet. Here are some addresses for pages produced by the Department of
Cariology, Malmö University, Sweden.

http://www.db.od.mah.se/car/data/basic.html
- under the title ’Basic Cariology’ you will find information on caries
diagnosis, risk estimation, prevention, saliva, fluorides and diet.

http://www.db.od.mah.se/car/data/risk.html
- presented under the title ’Caries Risk Evaluation’ are additional information
on the concept of the Cariogram.

http://www.db.od.mah.se/car/data/mutswitch.html
http://www.db.od.mah.se/mutans/mutans.html
- ’Mutans Streptococci – Dental Caries’ gives a detailed picture on the
background of these bacteria.

http://www.db.od.mah.se/lbcmm/lbc.html
- the page ’Lactobacilli – Oral health’ illustrates the role of these bacteria in
caries.

http://www.whocollab.od.mah.se/index.html
- this is the global data base of the WHO, on oral diseases.

Special conditions for use of the Internet Version, see:

http://www.db.od.mah.se/car/cariogram/cariograminfo.html

References:

 Hänsel-Petersson G, Carlsson P, Bratthall D. Caries risk assessment: a comparison between the

computer program 'Cariogram', dental students and dental instructors. Eur J Dent Educ 1998; 2:184-
190.

 Hänsel-Petersson G, Bratthall D. Caries risk assessment: a comparison between the computer program
'Cariogram', dental hygienists and dentists. Swe Dent J 2000; 24:129-137.

 Bratthall D, Hänsel-Petersson G. 2000. Avaliação do Risco de Cárie - Uma Abordagem Atual. In:
Promoção de Saúde Bucal na Clamp;iacute;nica Odontológica. EAP Press, 149-168. Ed:Y de Paiva
Buischi.

 Bratthall D, Hänsel-Petersson G, Stjernswärd JR. 2001. Assessment of caries risk in the clinic - a
modern approach. In: Advances in Operative Dentistry. Vol 2. Ed: Wilson NHF, Roulet JF, Fuzzi M.
Quintessence Publishing Co, Inc. pp 61-72.
 Hänsel-Petersson G, Twetman S, Bratthall D. Evaluation of a computer program for caries risk
assessment in school children. Caries Res 2002;36:327-340.

 Hänsel Petersson G, Fure S, Bratthall D. Evaluation of a computer based caries risk assessment
program in an elderly group of individuals. Acta Odontol Scand 2003;61:164-171.

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