Dental Care for Infants
Caries Risk Assessment

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 include:

• Presence of caries
• Presence of plaque
• Gingival condition
• Caries history
• Fluoride exposure
• Carbohydrate exposure – frequency, amount
• Socioeconomic status
• 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 three areas and includes.⁴

1. Contributing Conditions
2. General Health Conditions
3. Clinical Conditions

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