A new study of middle aged adults in America reports that over 18 months, low risk adults got very little to no decay and high risk adults got between 2 and 3 new cavities.
How did the study separate these risk groups? It found the following factors were significant:
•visible, heavy dental plaque
•frequent snacking
•a dry mouth
•exposed roots
•a number of fillings in the last 3 years
The study could have gone further by looking for diabetics, those with various forms of arthritis and those with CNS-related diseases such as Parkinson’s. All of these patients have significantly more dental decay than healthy peers.
But so what? Even if we know who is going to get more decay, doesn’t everyone get the same dental benefits?
That’s the point. In a period when dental benefit costs are escalating and are no longer sustainable in many cases, the era of treating everyone with the same benefits regardless of risk, has to be examined. Changes are needed. Better to deliver more care to those at risk, than ration a little care to all.
By: Ross Perry
SOURCED: Partners In Prevention – http://partnersinprevention.ca/can-we-predict-dental-decay-yes/