The USC test suggests that genes play a greater role in tooth decay now than at any time in the past. Gross malnutrition and negligent oral hygiene are rare in developed societies: That leaves a child's genes as the prime determinant of his or her dental future.
A different version of the test identifies the particular teeth at risk, Denny said. And the test's specificity may reduce the cost and increase the effectiveness of prevention.
"It's possible that in the future - even though a kid might be at very high risk for getting a large number of caries - with the proper preventive dental care he [or she] can arrive at adulthood without any," Denny said.
A further version of the test can identify children with active tooth decay. This test has important public health implications in areas where families cannot afford routine dental exams.
"This is going to help people who are not dental professionals," said Mahvash Navazesh, associate professor in the USC School of Dentistry and co-inventor of the CARE test with USC research scientist Patricia Denny.
School nurses could administer the test, Navazesh said, though she stressed any test would not be a substitute for proper dental care.
"This is not a test to diagnose caries. This is a test that can be used to evaluate susceptibility and risk," she said. "If we can identify those people that are at risk and put in place preventive measures, it is going to prevent them from suffering."
The physical and financial burden of caries increases with age, researchers said. The cost of dental care can be prohibitive and is not covered by Medicare.
Fillings deteriorate and need to be replaced with larger fillings, often leading to root canals, crowns and even tooth loss.
That is why stopping the formation of cavities is so important, Denny said.
"It's the initial cavity or caries that we're worried about," he said. "If we can prevent that, then
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Contact: Carl Marziali
marziali@usc.edu
213-740-4751
University of Southern California
18-Feb-2005