Understanding an Infant is the First Step

Caries risk assessment determines the likelihood of developing carious lesions, or the likelihood that there will be a change in current carious lesions (size or activity).³ If risk factors are eliminated before the diseases occur, the disease process can be prevented. Risk factors that can be evaluated for a child between 0-5 year old include:

• Presence of caries

• Presence of plaque

• Enamel defects

• Caries history

• Fluoride exposure

• Frequent sugar exposure in between meals

• Dental care exposure

• Caregiver dental literacy

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) developed a caries risk assessment form for children age 0-5 years that evaluates four risk factors areas.⁴

1. Social, behavioral, medical risk factors

2. Clinical

3. Protective factors

4. Disease Indicators

These subjects are further categorized as High, Moderate or Low Risk.