Dental caries risk assessment using caries management by risk assessment (CAMBRA) tool in Yanbu city, Saudi Arabia—a cross sectional study

Introduction Dental caries affects billions of people globally with complications leading to a reduced quality of life. Investigating dental caries risk factors is of the utmost importance to prevent future carious lesions. To date, most oral health research focused on measuring the prevalence of the disease at the expense of investigating the caries risk. This study aims to establish a baseline record on the level of dental caries risk in Yanbu city and to explore the factors associated with an increased risk in permanent dentition. Methods Contact information was obtained from all Ministry of Health facilities across Yanbu city. Participants aged ≥18 years with permanent dentition were included via simple random sampling. Clinical examinations were conducted to collect potential risk and protective factors using CAMBRA tool. In addition, other factors including demographic characteristics, dental attendance, smoking history, dental anxiety, and the presence of comorbidities, were collected. Descriptive, chi 2 test, and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to determine major potential risk factors and the level of caries risk. Results A total of 141 participants were included in the study. The most prevalent risk factor was the presence of heavy plaque (51.1%), 97.2% of the participants presented with cavitated teeth. Factors such as the use of fluoridated toothpaste once/twice daily and a chlorhexidine gluconate mouth rinse were associated with a decreased risk of caries ( p -value < 0.05). Conversely, frequent snacking, medications-induced hyposalivation, the presence of heavy plaque, deep pits and fissures, exposed tooth roots, white spot lesions, new non-cavitated lesions in enamel and existing restorations were associated with an increased risk for dental caries ( p -value < 0.05). Conclusion This study represents a foundational assessment of caries risk via the CAMBRA protocol among an underreported population in Saudi Arabia. This work addresses a critical gap and highlights important key factors that can be utilized in managing dental caries clinically and in the implementation of larger-scale caries preventive programs in the region.