Epidemiologic Studies of Caries-Free and Caries-Active Students: II. Diet, Dental Plaque, and Oral Hygiene

¹ University of Miami, Institute of Oral Biology, Coral Gables, Florida 33134, USA, and the Veterans Administration Hospital, Miami, Florida

Diet, extent of dental plaque, and oral hygiene scores for caries-free and cariesactive students were significantly different. Results of this study suggest that these three parameters are contributing supplementary factors to the development of dental caries in the caries-active group. An experimental dietary questionnaire method used in this study may be used by dentists to identify children with a caries-conducive diet and to prescribe treatment accordingly.