Interproximal contact points and proximal caries in posterior primary teeth.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that the risk of proximal caries in posterior primary teeth is higher when interproximal contact points are closed than when they are open. METHODS A cross-sectional study design was used with a sample of 286 children aged 24 to 72 months (mean age 54 months +/- 16 months). Children with any permanent dentition were excluded. Caries (defined as a lesion halfway through enamel or further) was assessed radiographically by a single dentist. The open/closed nature of contact points was assessed by a different dentist through resistance to dental floss. Data concerning known risk factors and indicators for caries were also collected. Analyses were performed at the level of the contact point, comparing the same contact points in different children. Multiple logistic regression was used to asses the relationship between open/closed status and caries status for each posterior contact point. RESULTS In 7 of the 8 contact points examined, the odds for caries were significantly increased when contact points were dosed. CONCLUSIONS This research suggests that the risk for proximal caries in the posterior primary dentition is raised if contact points are dosed compared to those that are open.