It is also important to bear in mind that the risk of caries development also varies
significantly for:
- different age groups: children aged 1-2 years and 5-7 years are considered high risk
age groups; - individual teeth: first primary molars and first permanent molars are high risk;
- different tooth surfaces: interproximal primary molar surfaces and occlusal surfaces
of first permanent molars are high risk.
3.6.2 Periodontal disease
While periodontal disease is not common in children, a few recognized risk factors
are associated with increased likelihood of its development. These include:
- smoking;
- diabetes;
- plaque accumulation⎯although this is not such a reliable indicator at an individual
level; - family history (genetic factors).
Hormonal changes around puberty, low vitamin C or calcium intake, socio-economic
status, psychosocial factors, tooth position, and occlusal relationships may also
influence periodontal health, but are not considered reliable risk indicators.
3.6.3 Erosion
There is no established model for risk prediction in relation to erosion. However it has
been suggested that:
- intake of more than 6 carbonated drinks weekly is associated with moderate erosion
risk; - intake of more than 14 carbonated drinks weekly is associated with high erosion
risk.
In addition, the following risk factors have been reported to have some association
with erosion:
- intake of more than two citrus fruits daily;
- frequent sports participation;
- eating disorders;
- gastric reflux, rumination.
3.6.4 Orofacial trauma
The majority of orofacial trauma cannot be prevented, as it usually results from an
unavoidable accident! However, there are some recognized trauma risk factors that
warrant consideration and appropriate prevention where possible: