Risk predictors of dental root caries: a systematic review

Abstract

Objectives To identify the risk predictors of root caries and to describe their relationship with the incidence and increment of root caries. Data Observational longitudinal studies Sources Four electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus) (From 1 January 1990 to 31 January 2019) Study selection Information on the factors associated with the incidence or increment of decayed and filled root surfaces (DF-root) and/or decayed root surfaces (D-root) were extracted by two reviewers independently. The factors were put into six categories, namely social-demographic background, general health, health behaviors, fluoride exposure, oral health habits and oral health condition. From the 440 potential papers identified, 19 papers reporting on 16 cohort studies were finally included. The total sample size was 7,340 participants from different countries worldwide, with age ranging from 20 to 100 years. Positive correlations between new root caries and age, baseline root caries experience, gingival recession and use of tobacco were reported while negative correlations were found for socio-economic status, good oral hygiene and use of fluorides. Mixed findings were detected for the association between new root caries and the number of natural teeth. Conclusion This systematic review discovered a number of root caries risk predictors in different categories. People who are older, in lower socio-economic status or tobacco users, and those with more root caries experience, gingival recession and poor oral hygiene have higher risk of developing new root caries. Clinical significance This systematic review provides support that improvement of oral hygiene, prevention of gingival recession, and use of fluoride would be useful strategy for prevention of new root caries.