Organization for Caries Research-European Federation of Conservative Dentistry Consensus Report on Clinical Recommendations for Caries Diagnosis Paper II: Caries Lesion Activity and Progression Assessment.

INTRODUCTION: This consensus paper provides recommendations for oral health professionals on why and how to assess caries activity and progression with special respect to the site of a lesion. METHODS: An expert panel was nominated by the executive councils of the European Organization for Caries Research (ORCA) and the European Federation of Conservative Dentistry (EFCD). The steering committee built three working groups that were asked to provide recommendations on (1) caries detection and diagnostic methods, (2) caries activity and progression assessment, and (3) obtain individualized caries diagnoses. The experts of work group 2 phrased and agreed on provisional general and specific recommendations on caries lesion activity and progression, based on a review of the current literature. These recommendations were then discussed and refined in a consensus workshop followed by an anonymous Delphi survey to determine the agreement on each recommendation. RESULTS: The expert panel agreed on general (n = 7) and specific recommendations (n = 6). The specific recommendations cover coronal caries on pits and fissures, smooth surfaces, proximal surfaces, as well as root caries and secondary caries/caries adjacent to restorations and sealants. 3/13 recommendations yielded perfect agreement. CONCLUSION: The most suitable method for lesion activity assessment is the visual-tactile method. No single clinical characteristic is indicative of lesion activity; instead, lesion activity assessment is based on assessing and weighing several clinical signs. The recall intervals for visual and radiographic examination need to be adjusted to the presence of active caries lesions and recent caries progression rates. Modifications should be based on individual patient characteristics.

How combining different caries lesions characteristics may be helpful in short-term caries progression prediction: model development on occlusal surfaces of primary teeth.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have addressed the clinical parameters' predictive power related to caries lesion associated with their progression. This study assessed the predictive validity and proposed simplified models to predict short-term caries progression using clinical parameters related to caries lesion activity status. METHODS: The occlusal surfaces of primary molars, presenting no frank cavitation, were examined according to the following clinical predictors: colour, luster, cavitation, texture, and clinical depth. After one year, children were re-evaluated using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System to assess caries lesion progression. Progression was set as the outcome to be predicted. Univariate multilevel Poisson models were fitted to test each of the independent variables (clinical features) as predictors of short-term caries progression. The multimodel inference was made based on the Akaike Information Criteria and C statistic. Afterwards, plausible interactions among some of the variables were tested in the models to evaluate the benefit of combining these variables when assessing caries lesions. RESULTS: 205 children (750 surfaces) presented no frank cavitations at the baseline. After one year, 147 children were reassessed (70%). Finally, 128 children (733 surfaces) presented complete baseline data and had included primary teeth to be reassessed. Approximately 9% of the reassessed surfaces showed caries progression. Among the univariate models created with each one of these variables, the model containing the surface integrity as a predictor had the lowest AIC (364.5). Univariate predictive models tended to present better goodness-of-fit (AICs < 388) and discrimination (C:0.959-0.966) than those combining parameters (AIC:365-393, C:0.958-0.961). When only non-cavitated surfaces were considered, roughness compounded the model that better predicted the lesions' progression (AIC = 217.7, C:0.91). CONCLUSIONS: Univariate model fitted considering the presence of cavitation show the best predictive goodness-of-fit and discrimination. For non-cavitated lesions, the simplest way to predict those lesions that tend to progress is by assessing enamel roughness. In general, the evaluation of other conjoint parameters seems unnecessary for all non-frankly cavitated lesions.

Do undergraduate dental students perform well detecting and staging caries and assessing activity by visual examination? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To assess the undergraduate students' performance in detecting and staging caries and assessing activity using visual inspection. DESIGN: Two independent reviewers searched the literature through PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Lilacs databases, and OpenSINGLE. Meta-analyses summarized the results concerning reproducibility and accuracy at D1 (considering all lesions) and D3 (including only cavitated lesions or lesions into dentin) levels. For activity, we considered sound surfaces plus inactive caries lesions vs active lesions. Meta-regression assessed the effect of methodological variables on the outcomes. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included. The mean reproducibility values were ≥0.52, except for interexaminer agreement when assessing caries activity (0.39; 95% CI 0.10-0.67). The intra-examiner reproducibility tended to be higher than the interexaminer reproducibility. Overall, undergraduate students' performance in staging caries lesions using visual examination was good (AUC>0.85 and DOR>25). The sensitivity values were moderate; however, these were associated with excellent specificity values. Despite few pooled studies, caries activity assessment revealed moderate overall performance, with lower pooled sensitivity than pooled specificity. Students' education level and background clinical experience had no influence on the accuracy and reproducibility of the visual inspection. CONCLUSION: Undergraduate students' performance in detecting and staging caries using visual inspection was good, although caries activity assessment still requires improvement.

Diagnostic Accuracy of a Bioluminescence System for the Assessment of Caries Activity on Occlusal Surfaces.

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of caries lesion activity is usually performed using visual-tactile criteria. A new approach is to use a system consisting of a photoprotein, which is specific for free calcium ions, along with an integrated camera that visualizes the elevated calcium ions on the lesion as a light signal (bioluminescence). This study aimed to evaluate the reproducibility and diagnostic accuracy of a newly developed bioluminescence system to assess caries lesion activity on occlusal surfaces in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-four extracted permanent teeth with sound surfaces and both active and inactive caries lesions were included. The extent and activity of the investigation sites were classified visually according to the International Caries Detection and Assessment System. Digital images of the teeth were produced by the bioluminescence system and the images were analyzed for the presence of caries activity (the bioluminescent areas at the investigation sites). The images were reanalyzed after 4 weeks. Teeth were hemisected and methyl red dye was applied on the sections to validate lesion activity histologically. RESULTS: Agreement between the bioluminescence readings was shown by κ values of 0.802-0.917. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.001) was found across all methods (rs 0.618-0.811). Sensitivity and specificity for activity assessment using histology as the gold standard (cut-off: active/inactive) were, respectively, 83.6 and 85.0% for the visual assessment, and 92.5 and 90.0% for the bioluminescence method. Comparison of areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves showed no significant difference between the visual and bioluminescence systems (p = 0.094). CONCLUSION: The bioluminescence system demonstrated high in vitro reproducibility and good diagnostic accuracy for activity assessment of caries lesions on occlusal surfaces which were not significantly different from the values obtained in the visual assessment.

A survey of cariology teaching in Australia and New Zealand.

BACKGROUND: The Australian and New Zealand chapter of the Alliance for a Cavity Free Future was launched in 2013 and one of its primary aims was to conduct a survey of the local learning and teaching of cariology in dentistry and oral health therapy programs. METHODS: A questionnaire was developed using the framework of the European Organisation for Caries Research (ORCA)/Association of Dental Education in Europe (ADEE) cariology survey conducted in Europe in 2009. The questionnaire was comprised of multiple choice and open-ended questions exploring many aspects of the cariology teaching. The survey was distributed to the cariology curriculum coordinator of each of the 21 programs across Australia and New Zealand via Survey Monkey in January 2015. Simple analysis of results was carried out with frequencies and average numbers of hours collated and open-ended responses collected and compiled into tables. RESULTS: Seventeen responses from a total of 21 programs had been received including 7 Dentistry and 10 Oral Health programs. Key findings from the survey were - one quarter of respondents indicated that cariology was identified as a specific discipline with their course and 41% had a cariology curriculum in written format. With regard to lesion detection and caries diagnosis, all of the program coordinators who responded indicated that visual/tactile methods and radiographic interpretation were recommended with ICDAS also being used by over half them. Despite all respondents teaching early caries lesion management centred on prevention and remineralisation, many taught operative intervention at an earlier stage of lesion depth than current evidence supports. Findings showed over 40% of respondents still teach operative intervention for lesions confined to enamel. CONCLUSION: Despite modern theoretical concepts of cariology being taught in Australia and New Zealand, they do not appear to be fully translated into clinical teaching at the present time.

Determining Caries Activity Using Oratest Among 12-to 15-year-old Children.

PURPOSE: Dental caries is the primary pathological cause of early tooth loss in children, which may lead to malnutrition and other health problems. Identification of patients with active carious lesions and at high risk for caries can help to dramatically decrease the disease prevalence. Thus, recognising the importance of early diagnosis of caries, the present study was carried out to correlate caries with oral microflora using Oratest among 12- to 15-year-old schoolchildren. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 children were divided into control and test groups (n = 50) according to their DMFT scores. The test group was further divided into subgroup 1 (DMFT = 1-3) and subgroup 2 (DMFT > 3). Oratest, a caries activity test, was performed on all the children. Comparison among the variables was done using ANOVA and the independent sample t-test. RESULTS: Boys had lower DMFT values (1.35 ± 0.2) than did girls (1.67 ± 0.2) (p = 0.38), and the Oratest time was higher among boys (132.8 ± 0.5 min) than girls (126.4 ± 0.5 min) (p = 0.53). The control group had the highest mean Oratest time (172.7 ± 0.3 min), followed by subgroup 1 (97.8 ± 0.2 min), and subgroup 2 had the lowest Oratest time (68.5 ± 14.8 min). A statistically significant negative correlation (r = -0.893) was found between the mean DMFT and the Oratest time (p < 0.001), ie, they were inversely related to each other. CONCLUSION: An inverse relationship exists between Oratest and DMFT score.

Identifying a Potential Summary Measure for Overall Caries Level in Children Examined with the International Caries Detection and Assessment System.

OBJECTIVE: To identify a potential summative summary measure that reflects a patient's overall caries level in children examined with the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Participants were 1- to 15-year-old children from Kuwait, Brazil, and Spain. Children's teeth were examined using the ICDAS. Multiple measures of central tendency and dentition-specific indices were considered as potential summative measures. The relationship between the summative measures and number of caries lesions was evaluated considering degrees of caries severity using Spearman's correlation analysis. The results were generated using the Kuwaiti sample and were cross-validated using the Brazilian and Spanish samples. RESULTS: A total of 2,808 children participated in the present study. Total ICDAS score and mean ICDAS score showed a strong correlation with the number of caries lesions at different caries severity levels in primary, mixed, and permanent dentitions. The total ICDAS score of 51 buccal (B), 61B, 54 occlusal (O), 55O, 64O, 65O, 74O, 75O, 84O, and 85O surfaces in primary dentition and the total ICDAS score of 14O, 16 lingual (L), 16O, 24O, 26L, 26O, 36B, 36O, 37O, 46O, 46B, and 47O surfaces in permanent dentition or mixed dentition (if present) showed strong correlations with the number of caries lesions at different caries severity levels. CONCLUSIONS: Total ICDAS and mean ICDAS scores were the best summary measures of overall caries level at different dental stages. Total ICDAS scores of selectively examined 10 surfaces in primary dentition and 12 surfaces in permanent dentition can give an excellent summary measure for a patient's overall caries level with high diagnostic accuracy.

Examiner's experience and the outcome interpretation of ICDAS and Nyvad's system - a prospective in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, prospectively, the influence of examiner's experience in interpreting and applying the caries detection systems ICDAS (IC) and Nyvad (NY). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve second-year undergraduate dental students (UG) and 12 postgraduates (PG) MSc level analysed and codified 77 clinical dental caries photographs at three different moments: initially, without any training; after one week of receiving training through a theoretical class; and after two years. Reproducibility and correlation was evaluated; sensitivity, specificity and area under ROC curve (AUC) were dichotomized according to the presence of cavitation (IC) and in relation to disease activity (NY). RESULTS: IC presented good kappa values for the first two evaluations. Both criteria resulted in good Spearman's correlation after two years (IC = UG: 0.89; PG: 0.93/NY = UG: 0.81; PG: 0.82). Sensitivity, specificity and AUC were statistically higher in the third evaluation by UG for Nyvad. CONCLUSIONS: ICDAS criteria seem to be instinctively understood by students without clinical experience. Nyvad's concepts performed better after two years where the students deepened their theoretical knowledge and experienced clinical practice, collaborating with the identification of activity signs.

Association between quantitative measures obtained using fluorescence-based methods and activity status of occlusal caries lesions in primary molars.

BACKGROUND: Fluorescence-based methods (FBM) can add objectiveness to diagnosis strategy for caries. Few studies, however, have focused on the evaluation of caries activity. AIM: To evaluate the association between quantitative measures obtained with FBM, clinical parameters acquired from the patients, caries detection, and assessment of activity status in occlusal surfaces of primary molars. DESIGN: Six hundred and six teeth from 113 children (4-14 years) were evaluated. The presence of a biofilm, caries experience, and the number of active lesions were recorded. The teeth were assessed using FBM: DIAGNOdent pen (Lfpen) and Quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF). As reference standard, all teeth were evaluated using the ICDAS (International Caries Detection and Assessment System) associated with clinical activity assessments. Multilevel regressions compared the FBM values and evaluated the association between the FBM measures and clinical variables related to the caries activity. RESULTS: The measures from the FBM were higher in cavitated lesions. Only, ∆F values distinguished active and inactive lesions. The LFpen measures were higher in active lesions, at the cavitated threshold (56.95 ± 29.60). Following regression analyses, only the presence of visible biofilm on occlusal surfaces (adjusted prevalence ratio = 1.43) and ∆R values of the teeth (adjusted prevalence ratio = 1.02) were associated with caries activity. CONCLUSION: Some quantitative measures from FBM parameters are associated with caries activity evaluation, which is similar to the clinical evaluation of the presence of visible biofilm.

Relationship among α amylase and carbonic anhydrase VI in saliva, visible biofilm, and early childhood caries: a longitudinal study.

AIM: This longitudinal study investigated the relationship among early childhood caries (ECC), α amylase, carbonic anhydrase VI (CA VI), and the presence of visible biofilm, besides detecting if these variables could predict risk for ECC. DESIGN: One hundred children were divided into two groups: caries group (n = 45) and caries-free group (n = 55). Visible biofilm on maxillary incisors was recorded, followed by caries diagnosis in preschoolers at baseline and at follow-up. Saliva samples were collected, and activities of CA VI and α amylase were determined. Data normality was assessed by Shapiro-Wilk test and then Mann-Whitney, Spearman correlation, and chi-square tests followed by multiple logistic regression analysis (α = 0.05, 95% confidence interval). RESULTS: CA VI activity was significantly higher in saliva of children with caries (P ≤ 0.05), and α amylase activity was significantly higher in saliva of caries-free children (P < 0.0001). Children with α amylase activity in saliva lower than 122.8 U/mL (OR = 3.33 P = 0.042) and visible biofilm on maxillary incisors (OR = 3.6 P = 0.009) were more likely to develop ECC than caries-free children. A negative correlation between caries and α amylase activity was found (P = 0.0008). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of visible biofilm and low salivary activity of α amylase may be considered risk predictors for ECC.

Laser fluorescence in monitoring the influence of targeted tooth brushing on remineralization of initial caries lesions on newly erupted molar teeth - RCT.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to monitor mineralization changes in initial caries lesions on newly erupted second molars using laser fluorescence (LF) scanning after a 1-month targeted tooth brushing intervention. METHODS: Altogether, 124 13- to 14-year-old school children were invited to participate. Of those who fulfilled the clinical criteria (at least one initial lesion with LF value >10 in second molars), 51 gave their written consent to participate. Laser fluorescence values were registered at baseline and after 1-month follow-up period. All participants were individually taught targeted tooth brushing of their second molars and randomly provided tooth paste with 0 or 1500 ppm fluoride. Brushing frequency was investigated at baseline and after the follow-up. Change in LF values was compared considering the tooth, content of fluoride in the paste and brushing frequency. RESULTS: In lesions with LF values ≤30 at baseline, change in LF values demonstrated improvement. Improvement was detected especially in upper molars. In lesions with LF values >30 at baseline, improvement was least detected. Brushing frequency increased slightly during the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Laser fluorescence is a simple method and useful in monitoring remineralization of incipient lesions even in weeks. Targeted tooth brushing seems to induce remineralization even in weeks. Laser fluorescence could be a valuable motivating tool in promoting patients' self-care.

[Preventive dentistry 6. Prevention of caries in frail older people]. / Preventieve tandheelkunde 6. Preventie van cariës bij kwetsbare ouderen.

Many older people have a bad oral health, with (root) caries a prevalent cause. Alarming results of research projects raise the question whether sufficient preventive measures are being taken to prevent the development and progress of (root) caries in frail older people. A review of the recent literature revealed that in frail older people and physically or cognitively impaired adults, daily use of a 5,000 ppm fluoride toothpaste and quarterly application of chlorhexidine or sodium fluoride can decrease by half the risk of root caries. In the Netherlands, toothpaste containing 5,000 ppm fluoride is not (yet) on the market. At the present time, only the advice brochure 'Prevention of root caries' is available. Another measure to prevent deterioration of oral health among frail older people is paying attention to frail older people who do not visit their dentist on a regular basis due to physical limitations and care dependency. When this is the case, it is necessary to intensify professional oral healthcare with instructions to personal caregivers and professional care providers in order to fight (root) caries.

In vitro performance of QLF system and conventional methods for detection of occlusal caries around tooth-colored restorations in primary molars.

BACKGROUND: Secondary caries is the main reason for restoration replacement, and therefore, an accurate detection of this type of condition is fundamental. AIM: To compare in vitro the performance of different conventional and quantitative light-induced fluorescence-based (QLF) methods in detecting occlusal caries around resin composite restorations in primary molars. DESIGN: Two examiners evaluated independently 42 sites adjacent to tooth-colored restorations using visual inspection (ICDAS-CARS), radiographic examination, and QLF. Histological examination was used as reference standard method. Area under the ROC curve (Az), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the methods were calculated at enamel (D1) and dentin caries (D3) lesions thresholds. Intra- and interexaminer reproducibility were calculated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and kappa statistics. RESULTS: There was no difference among the methods considering Az at D1 threshold. Visual inspection, radiograph, and QLF (scores) methods presented similar sensitivities and significantly higher than those obtained with the QLF (∆F%). At D3 threshold, there were no differences among the methods regarding sensitivities, specificities, and accuracy, except for the examiner 2 with the QLF (∆F%) who achieved a very low sensitivity value. CONCLUSION: Conventional methods are similar to QLF methods for detecting caries around tooth-colored restorations in primary teeth.

Clinical Assessment of a New Caries Activity Test Using Dental Plaque Acidogenicity in Children under Three Years of Age.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the validity of a new caries activity test that uses dental plaque acidogenicity in children with deciduous dentition. STUDY DESIGN: Ninety-two children under the age of three years old underwent clinical examination using the dft index and examinations with two caries activity tests. Plaque samples for the new Cariview(®) test and the saliva sample for the conventional Dentocult SM(®) test were collected, incubated, and scored according to each manufacturers' instruction. The data were analysed using ANOVA and Spearman correlation analyses to evaluate the relationships between the test results and the caries experience. RESULTS: The mean dft index of all of the subjects was 4.73, and 17.4% of the subjects were caries-free. The levels of caries risk based on the new Cariview test score significantly increased with the caries experience (p < 0.01). The test results revealed a stronger correlation with caries indices (dft and dt index) than the conventional SM colony counting method (r = 0.43, r = 0.39, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The new caries activity test to analyse the acidogenic potential of whole microorganisms from dental plaques can be used to evaluate caries risk in children with deciduous teeth.

A CAMBRA Model For High Caries Risk Indian Children: A Pragmatic Comprehensive Tailored Intervention.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a CAMBRA based therapeutic and preventive model for high caries risk children in a pediatric dentistry clinic set-up. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 100 systemically healthy children aged 4-8 years with dmft/DMFT ≥ 5 and/or ≤ 20% magnitude of cariogram sector 'chance to avoid new cavities' were enrolled. The program comprised of following components i.e. caries risk assessment, customized preventive interventions (Motivational interviewing and counseling, oral prophylaxis, fluoride varnish, fissure sealants) and restorative procedures. The recall intervals were scheduled on the basis of caries risk i.e. every 1 month (≤ 40% chance to avoid new cavities) and 3 months (≥ 41% chance to avoid new cavities). The primary outcome measure was 'new carious lesions' at 12 months following achievement of 'termination levels' i.e. ≥ 41% magnitude of 'chance to avoid new cavities.' The secondary outcome measures were changes in cariogram parameters at termination and duration needed to achieve termination levels. RESULTS: The program showed 97% success rate as 3/100 subjects developed new carious lesions at 12 months follow up. Highly significant (p<0.001) favorable shift was achieved in cariogram parameters at termination. Termination levels were achieved in 2.71 ± 4.854 months. CONCLUSIONS: The present CAMBRA based program with customized intervention and recall schedules showed favorable results.

How different do visuo-tactile criteria assess caries lesions activity status on occlusal surfaces?

OBJECTIVES: We tested the association between active caries lesions assessed by two different criteria and clinical features of these caries lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three examiners examined forty-nine 3- to 12-year-old children: one examiner used the Nyvad criteria, another examiner used the International Caries Detection and Assessment System with an additional criteria--Lesion Activity Assessment (ICDAS + LAA), and a reference examiner classified lesions regarding plaque stagnation, colour, lustre, cavities, depth and texture. Logistic regressions were used to test associations. For analyses, we grouped sound sites and inactive lesions vs active caries lesions, but also considering only inactive vs active lesions. RESULTS: Active lesions scored by both criteria were similarly associated with different clinical parameters tested, except when the sound sites were excluded from the analysis. In these cases, active lesions according to ICDAS + LAA were associated only with cavitation and texture. Texture was associated with divergences between criteria when differentiating sound or inactive lesions from active ones. Fewer divergences in differentiating active from inactive lesions were observed when lesions present lustre. CONCLUSION: Most clinical signs associated with active caries lesions were similar, but texture and severity tend to have a greater importance when using ICDAS + LAA for distinguishing caries activity status. Attention should be given to differences due to texture and lustre when using different indices.

Impact of Different Illumination Conditions on Visual Caries Detection with ICDAS.

The aim of this study was to test the influence of different degrees of additional illumination on visual caries detection using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). Two calibrated examiners assessed 139 occlusal surfaces of extracted permanent molars using a standard operation lamp with or without an additional headlamp providing three default brightness intensities. Histology served as the gold standard. Pooled data showed no differences in sensitivities. Specificities were not influenced by additional light. The area under the curve for the Marthaler classification D3 threshold was significantly lower when an additional strong headlamp was used (0.59 compared to 0.69-0.72 when reduced illumination intensities were used). One of the two examiners also had a significantly lower sensitivity for the D1 threshold when an additional headlamp was used. The use of additional white light led to a reduced detection of dentine lesions.

Salivary Candida species carriage patterns and their relation to caries experience among yemeni children.

PURPOSE: This study was carried out to assess the carriage rates, counts and species distribution of Candida in saliva of 6- to 12-year-old Yemeni children and relate that to their caries experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred eighty children were recruited. Oral hygiene and caries were assessed using the simplified oral hygiene index and dft/DMFT index, respectively. Detection and quantification of 4 Candida species in unstimulated saliva were performed using CHROMagar Candida medium. Data were analysed using regression analysis. RESULTS: Candida was detected in 60% of the children with a mean count of 923 ± 1875 CFU/ml. C. albicans accounted for 60% of the isolates and was the only species to be detected with more than 1000 CFU/ml. Non-albicans candida and unidentified species represented 16.3% and 23.1% of the isolates, respectively. One novel finding was that a significant proportion (38%) of the carriers harboured two or more species, which for the first time allowed the identification of four age-dependent carriage patterns (clusters). Another somewhat new observation was that carriage at ≥ 1000 CFU/ml in particular significantly correlated with caries in primary and permanent dentitions (r = 0.23 and 0.18, respectively) as well as a caries-active status (OR = 6.9). Interestingly, the C. glabrata cluster had significantly lower primary caries scores than other clusters. CONCLUSIONS: The findings substantiate claims of geographical variations in candida carriage and the relation between candida carriage and caries. The validity of carrier clusters and the use of 1000 CFU/ml as a risk marker should be further investigated.

Detection and diagnosis of the early caries lesion.

The purpose of this manuscript is to discuss the current available methods to detect early lesions amenable to prevention. The current evidenced-based caries understanding, based on biological concepts, involves new approaches in caries detection, assessment, and management that should include non-cavitated lesions. Even though the importance of management of non-cavitated (NC) lesions has been recognized since the early 1900 s, dental caries has been traditionally detected at the cavitation stage, and its management has focused strongly on operative treatment. Methods of detection of early carious lesions have received significant research attention over the last 20 years. The most common method of caries detection is visual-tactile. Other non-invasive techniques for detection of early caries have been developed and investigated such as Quantitative Light-induced Fluorescence (QLF), DIAGNOdent (DD), Fibre-optic Transillumination (FOTI) and Electrical Conductance (EC). Based on previous systematic reviews, the diagnosis of NCCLs might be more accurately achieved in combination of the visual method and the use of other methods such as electrical methods and QLF for monitoring purposes.

Reproducibility and diagnostic outcomes of two visual-tactile criteria used by dentists to assess caries lesion activity: a cross-over study.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility and differences in diagnostic outcomes by practicing dental clinicians previously inexperienced in using the Nyvad criteria and the ICDAS II criteria with the Lesion Activity Assessment system (ICDAS II + LAA). Four volunteer dentists were randomly allocated to one of two groups. Both groups of dentists examined the same voluntary sample (n = 140) of caries active young adults using Nyvad and ICDAS II + LAA criteria in different sequences. The first group used the Nyvad criteria during period 1, followed by ICDAS II + LAA during period 2; the second group did the examinations in the opposite sequence. Before the period 1 and 2 examinations, dentists from both groups were trained with the Nyvad or ICDAS II + LAA criteria, depending on the group to which they were assigned. Intra-examiner agreement for lesion severity was high for both diagnostic instruments (weighted kappa 0.62-0.80). For lesion activity the intra-examiner unweighted kappa values ranged from 0.31 to 0.61 for ICDAS II + LAA and from 0.36 to 0.51 for Nyvad. The mean number of active non-cavitated caries lesions was significantly higher for ICDAS II + LAA (6.14 ± 5.4) than for Nyvad (3.90 ± 3.9) (p < 0.001). Active cavitated/dentinal caries lesions were significantly higher for ICDAS II + LAA (4.14 ± 4.1) than for Nyvad (2.13 ± 3.1) (p < 0.001). Both the Nyvad and ICDAS II + LAA diagnostic criteria showed high reproducibility for lesion severity assessment. The mean number of active caries lesions among high caries risk subjects was significantly higher using the ICDAS II + LAA criteria, which may subsequently lead to more caries treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN65592532.