Estimation of Dental Caries in Adults coming to a Dental College in Himachal Pradesh (North-West India) using CAST Index: a Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background: Decayed Missing Filled Index is the universal index of choice to record dental caries however, it is unable to estimate the severity of dental caries. The Caries Assessment Spectrum and treatment (CAST) Index is a new index which can be used to distinguish the intensity of caries.

Aim: To ascertain dental caries using CAST index and to compare the association of CAST index with DMF Index values attained using CAST index in adults.

Materials and methods: The cross-sectional survey recorded dental caries using CAST index in adults. 30.6% of adults experienced tooth loss and 32.3% recorded caries lesion advancing to dentin. 29.5% of adults had lesion attacking pulp but the gender predilection was insignificant. Caries severity in adults worsened with increasing age with significant association (p < 0.00). Scarcely 7.3% had undergone restorative care owing to dental caries.

Conclusions: The CAST index provides all-inclusive knowledge with regard to caries severity and transient shift in oral health in adults.