Free software for dentists estimates tooth decay risk

A researcher at a university in southern Sweden has developed a free piece of software that can calculate the risk of a dental patient developing tooth decay based on statistics such as number of cavities, use of fluoride and diet.

Gunnel HÄnsel Petersson, at MÄlmo University College, won a £2,300 prize from the Patent Money Fund for prophylactic research in dentistry for her Cariogram software. The calculations and assessments were based on data from research with 600 volunteers in various different risk groups.

"Caries occurs in a complicated interaction involving various factors built into the Cariogram Program," said Petersson. "The program makes it easier for dentists to initiate the proper treatment to prevent caries."

The dentist feeds in patient history and data, as well as medicines that, and receives a graphical risk profile in the form of a circular chart. In a test, 90% of those judged to be highest risk by the program developed new tooth cavities after two to five years.

"Cardiogram is a useful tool in estimating the risk of children and older adults developing dental caries," Petersson added. "But dentists are advised not to place blind faith in the computer program; they should use it as a complement to their

The software, which is available in twelve languages including English and runs on Windows, can be downloaded from Cariogram’s website. It is free for non-commercial and educational purposes; a donation is requested for commercial use.