Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Dental caries continues to represent one of the most widespread oral health challenges on a global scale, particularly in adolescents. This cross-sectional investigation examines the impact of demographic, clinical, and preventive factors on caries susceptibility and cavitation in children aged six to 15 years, thereby offering a thorough analysis of risk patterns and preventive strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on 2,000 schoolchildren, aged six to 15 years. Demographic and clinical data and data on preventive factors were gathered using the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) Caries-Risk Assessment Tool (CAT). Based on clinical assessments and self-reported behaviors, participants were classified into high-, medium-, and low-risk groups. Statistical methodologies, including chi-square analyses and odds ratios (OR), were employed to evaluate the significance of the relationships among the variables. RESULTS: The associations between gender, educational attainment, and caries risk were statistically significant (p = 0.001), demonstrating that females exhibited a greater vulnerability than their male counterparts. Individuals enrolled in higher education levels showed an increased prevalence of high-risk categorization. Notable variations among communities were also observed, with specific demographics presenting a heightened susceptibility to caries. The frequency of tooth brushing, sugar intake, and regular dental examinations exhibited strong correlations with caries risk, whereas cavitation was recorded in 65.50% of the subjects. Key predictors included visible plaque, diminished salivary flow, and use of orthodontic appliances (p = 0.001). Preventive strategies, such as the application of fluoridated products and daily tooth brushing, have been found to significantly mitigate the risk of cavitation. CONCLUSION: This investigation emphasizes the complex, multifaceted nature of caries susceptibility, accentuating the critical role of demographic, clinical, and preventive factors.