A study of baby bottle tooth decay and risk factors for 18-month old infants in rural Japan.

Caries risk factors in rural Japan were identified for 637 children age eighteen months. Oral examinations, behavioral risk questionnaires and caries activity tests (Cariostat) were utilized. Results indicated an overall 13.7 percent prevalence of decay and strong correlations between Cariostat and caries status. Of the behavioral risk factors, weaning from breast feeding was most closely related with caries status. All factors resulted in correct classifications of Cariostat score and caries status. These results suggest that a screening of high risk infants can be accomplished by using the questionnaire and Cariostat test.