Effectiveness of a standardized treatment protocol for children with active non-cavitated occlusal lesions on erupting permanent molars.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment for non-cavitated occlusal lesions on erupting permanent molars and to verify whether initial eruption stage and final biofilm accumulation are associated with lesions activity after the treatment. METHODS: Forty-eight patients aged from 5 to 13 years old were selected. Molars with active non-cavitated lesions on the occlusal surface were classified according to eruption stage. Patients received a treatment for 4 weeks based on oral health instructions and fluoride applications. Three weeks after the end of the treatment, 39 patients were reassessed and lesion activity status and biofilm accumulation were recorded. Odds ratios were obtained using generalized estimating equations with logistic link function. RESULTS: Partially erupted molars were more prone to remain caries-active than molars in full occlusion (E1: OR = 301.1; E2: OR = 49.0 and E3: OR = 1107.3). High biofilm accumulation was associated with the presence of active lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Biofilm accumulation and eruption stage strongly influenced the effectiveness of a treatment for dental caries.