BACKGROUND: When diagnosing caries using clinical judgment only, the prevalence of approximal caries is highly underestimated. Yet, surveys on this topic predominantly included adolescents and young adults. AIM: To determine the additional diagnostic value of bitewing radiographs in 6-year-old children and to detect approximal dentin caries in the primary dentition. DESIGN: A total of 50 children were assessed both clinically (dmfs, oral hygiene) and radiographically by two experienced dentists. The relation between dmfs-scores and amount of plaque was established using Pearson's correlation coefficients at a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: In nine patients (18%) it was impossible to make radiographs. Bitewing radiography appeared to have an additional effect of 97% when only caries in dentin is considered. The additional value for detecting inadequate restorations was 600%. Furthermore, the dmfs was highly correlated to the amount of plaque found. CONCLUSION: Although not possible to achieve in all 6-year-old children, bitewing radiographs can reveal a considerable amount of carious surfaces and inadequate restorations, which appear clinically sound or adequate.
BACKGROUND: When diagnosing caries using clinical judgment only, the prevalence of approximal caries is highly underestimated. Yet, surveys on this topic predominantly included adolescents and young adults. AIM: To determine the additional diagnostic value of bitewing radiographs in 6-year-old children and to detect approximal dentin caries in the primary dentition. DESIGN: A total of 50 children were assessed both clinically (dmfs, oral hygiene) and radiographically by two experienced dentists. The relation between dmfs-scores and amount of plaque was established using Pearson's correlation coefficients at a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: In nine patients (18%) it was impossible to make radiographs. Bitewing radiography appeared to have an additional effect of 97% when only caries in dentin is considered. The additional value for detecting inadequate restorations was 600%. Furthermore, the dmfs was highly correlated to the amount of plaque found. CONCLUSION: Although not possible to achieve in all 6-year-old children, bitewing radiographs can reveal a considerable amount of carious surfaces and inadequate restorations, which appear clinically sound or adequate.