The Use Of Snyder's Caries Activity Test In Oral Hygiene Effectiveness Monitoring.

Abstract

Dental caries is a rather slowly progressing disease. At least a year is required to evaluate a preventive measure by means of a reduction in the caries incidence. The Snyder's caries activity test which is based on the acid production by the oral bacteria seemed an attractive short term assessment tool for hygiene effectiveness. Six subjects used three different hygiene methods and their 'caries activity' was measured before and after the hygiene procedures. The results were essentially negative with regard to any hygiene method significantly reducing the caries activity. In all cases, however, an extreme degree of reproducibility was noted in the individual's caries activity. It is concluded that the test is a useful tool for characterizing an individual's caries activity, but the usually employed hygiene methods are not reflected in a changed activity. (Author)