The sensitivity and specificity of a colorimetric microbiological caries activity test (Cariostat) in preschool children.

The purpose of this study was to test the ability of a colorimetric test, Cariostat (Sankin, Tokyo, Japan) to identify preschool children with dental caries. Three- to 5-year-old children (N = 153) from seven preschool programs in Saskatoon, Canada, were examined for dental caries using a mirror and explorer. A caries severity index (csi) was calculated for each subject. In all subjects buccal plaque samples were obtained, incubated, and scored as per the manufacturer's instructions for the Cariostat test. In 98 of 153 children whole stimulated saliva was also collected and population counts of Streptococcus mutans (CFU/ml of saliva) were determined. The test group exhibited mean dft = 1.03, mean dfs = 1.53, and mean csi = 0.46 while 66.67% of subjects were caries free and had no restorations. The S. mutans count was found to be significantly correlated (P < 0.001) with dft, dfs, and csi. Significant differences (P < 0.001) were found between Cariostat groups with respect to dft, dfs, and csi. The sensitivity of the Cariostat test was found to be 98% while the specificity was found to be 14%.