Root caries: Prevalence, risk indicators, and clinical characteristics - A cross-sectional study

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of root caries (RC) in South Coastal population of India, to identify the risk indicators associated with it and to describe some clinical characteristics of RC lesions.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample size of 1062 subjects to assess the prevalence of RC. Each subject underwent an oral examination, performed by a single-calibrated examiner. Questionnaires were used to collect the data on oral hygiene habits, diet, smoking, alcohol habits, systemic conditions, and education level. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify the risk indicators associated with RC.

Results: The prevalence of RC was found to be 7.5%, with a mean RC Index of 17.66%. The results of multiple logistic regression showed that age (≥40 years), systemic conditions, and exposed root surfaces were statistically significantly associated with RC (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: RC is prevalent not only in the older age group but also the younger adults in this cohort. This study suggests an association between RC and the variables age (≥40 years), exposed root surfaces and systemic conditions.