JDC SCIENTIFIC ARTICLE 130 Parisotto et al Journal of Dentistry for Children-79:3, 2012 Early caries lesions behavior/progression Behavior and Progression of Early Carious Lesions in Early Childhood: A 1-year Follow-up Study Thaís Manzano Parisotto, DDS, MS, PhD Marinês Nobre dos Santos, DDS, MS, PhD Lidiany Karla Azevedo Rodrigues, DDS, MS, PhD Luciana Scarlazzari Costa, BS, MS, PhD ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose of this 1-year follow-up study was to evaluate the behavior/ progression of early carious lesions (active noncavitated carious lesions) by surface and type of tooth in early childhood. Methods: A total of 179 3-and 4-year-old preschoolers took part in this study. Clini- cal examinations were conducted by a calibrated examiner using a mirror, ball-ended probe, gauze for cleaning and drying of teeth, and artificial light. The World Health Organization criteria, with an added measurement of early carious lesions (ECLs), were employed for the caries examinations. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used in the statistical analysis. Results: After a 1-year follow-up, the study population developed 1.60±1.64 new carious lesions. Children with caries activity at baseline showed much higher risks of developing new lesions than caries-free children (odds ratio=17.3 for ECL development, OR=24.5 for cavitations/fillings). Most ECLs remained active/un- changed after 1 year, whereas approximately 36% were arrested. Approximately 10% of the ECLs became cavitated, were filled, or were missing due to caries at follow-up. ECLs turned into cavities or fillings more frequently in the posterior region. Conclusion: This study’s findings support the conservative management of ECLs since, after 1 year, the majority of lesions were active/unchanged or were arrested on the smooth surfaces of primary teeth. (J Dent Child 2012;79(3):130-5) Received February 21, 2011; Last Revision June 18, 2011; Revision Accepted September 29, 2011. K:  ,  ,  ,    Dr. Parisotto is graduate student and Dr. dos Santos is professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Campinas School of Dentistry at Piracicaba, Brazil; Dr. Rodrigues is professor, Department of Operative Dentistry, School of Pharmacy, Dentistry and Nursing, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil; and Dr. Costa is pro- fessor, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Correspond with Dr. Nobre dos Santos at nobre@fop.unicamp.br I n the last few decades, there has been much progress in the ield of caries prevention among children, adoles- cents, and adults. Caries prevalence has been reduced significantly due to the widespread use of fluoridated toothpaste and luoridated tap water as well as sealant use. 1,2 In Brazil and other developing countries, however, dental caries remain highly prevalent, especially in early childhood. 3,4 Caries development and progression in primary enamel and dentin shows particularities compared to permanent teeth, making the former more susceptible to the carious process. he chemical composition of primary teeth as- sociated with inorganic and organic tissue content might explain the diferent responses of primary teeth against demineralization and remineralization. Primary enamel shows a lower calcium content, slightly lower calcium- to-phosphate ratio, higher water content, and higher organic content 5-7 than the permanent enamel. These diferences highlight the importance of investigating pre- dictors of future caries in primary teeth.