Dental caries recurrence following clinical treatment for severe early childhood caries

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the relapse rate within one year for a cohort of children treated for severe early childhood caries (S-ECC).

Methods: In an earlier report, we assessed the suppressive effect of 10 percent povidone-iodine and the elimination of active caries on salivary mutans streptococci (MS) populations in 77 children with S-ECC; 49 children returned for a 6-month recall exam that occurred 5 to 12 months post dental surgery. Relapse declaration required at least one caries lesion needing a restoration. Contrasts of relapse (R) and non-relapse (NR) to the covariates of gender, race, ethnicity, age, surfaces available for relapse (SAR), time to appointment, and baseline salivary mutans streptococci (MS) counts were statistically evaluated.

Results: 19 children (39%) were declared R and 30 (61%) were NR. The 2 groups did not statistically differ on: gender, race, ethnicity, age, SAR, baseline salivary MS counts and time to recall appointment. Statistical analyses also showed the covariates had no significant effect on probability of relapse or time to relapse (P>0.05).

Conclusions: None of the covariates were related to R. The R rate (39%) observed is consistent with earlier reports. Novel approaches are needed to improve relapse prevention.