Biological Validation of the PSC-MCAT: Analyzing Dental Plaque Microbiota Across Caries Risk Levels in Preschoolers.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Although Caries Risk Assessment (CRA) tools are widely recognised in preventive dentistry for predicting dental caries risk in children, there is a notable lack of studies addressing CRA within the Chinese population. This study aimed to evaluate the biological validity of the modified caries-risk assessment tool for preschool children (PSC-MCAT) by analysing the oral microbiome of children stratified by caries risk.

Materials and methods

A comprehensive analysis of the oral microbiome was conducted on 72 preschool children categorised into low- (L), moderate- (M), and high-risk (H) groups based on the PSC-MCAT criteria. Next-generation sequencing was employed to assess microbial diversity and structure. Statistical analyses were performed to identify significant d

SUBMITTER: Jiang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12671355 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature