Risk Factors for Caries Development

Number of serious systemic diseases

Is the patient taking any medications that adversely affect the saliva?

Is the patient taking medicine regularly with a high sucrose content?

Does the patient work irregular hours or shifts?

Is the patient under significant stress?

Has the patient received fluoride supplementation?

Is the DMFT high?

Number of caries present

Are any of the caries on surfaces not normally affected by cavities?

Are the caries soft and whitish?

Is saliva secretion reduced?

Is the buffering capacity of the saliva reduced?

Is the diet unbalanced or deficient?

Does the patient have a high intake of sucrose-rich snacks between meals?

Does the patient have increased dental plaque?

Is culture data available?

Number of S. mutans saliva

Number of lactobacilli saliva