One-year evaluation of inactive occlusal enamel lesions in children and adolescents

Objectives The aims of this study were to compare caries incidence and progression on sound occlusal surfaces and on surfaces presenting inactive enamel lesions in children and adolescents over 1 year and to estimate the risk of caries incidence and progression on these surfaces. Methods This prospective cohort study followed 200 7-15-year-old caries-inactive schoolchildren over 1 year. Stage of eruption, occlusal plaque, and occlusal caries were recorded on permanent molars. Statistical analysis was performed using generalized estimating equations with a logistic link function. Results Twenty-two children (11 %) presented “caries progression” (at least one active lesion on molar teeth). At site level, no difference was observed in caries incidence and progression between sites classified either sound (2.6 %) or with inactive enamel lesion (3.9 %) at the baseline examination ( χ 2 test, p = 0.48). Adjusted for plaque, stage of eruption, type of molar and dental arch, inactive enamel lesions presented a similar risk for caries progression than sound occlusal surfaces (OR = 0.98, 95 % CI = 0.40–2.38). Conclusion Within the limitations of this study, no difference was observed in caries incidence, progression, and risk on sound occlusal sites in comparison with sites presenting inactive enamel lesions. Clinical relevance Occlusal surfaces harboring inactive caries lesions did not require additional attention than the one normally given to sound occlusal surfaces over a 1-year period.