Effectiveness of a preventive program based on caries risk assessment and recall intervals on the incidence and regression of initial caries lesions in children

Background Evidence on caries risk assessment (CRA) and recall intervals are limited in terms of caries prevention. Aim To assess the effectiveness of a program on the incidence and regression of initial caries lesions. Design A total of 296 children aged 1–12 years old were assessed by calibrated examiners for Gingival Bleeding Index, Dental Plaque Index, dmf‐t/DMF‐T Index, initial caries lesions, and caries lesion activity. Children were classified as low, moderate, and high caries risk with different recall interval visits. Statistical analysis included Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier curves. Results The mean (SD) time of total follow‐up for the sample was 11.5(5.5). Higher dmft index at baseline showed a higher risk of new initial lesions (HR = 1.93; P