The Relationship of Caries with the Risk of Calculus Occurrence in Adolescents (Calrisk Approach)

Abstract

Adolescents are a vulnerable age group prone to smoking behavior, wich negatively affects oral health, particularly increasing the risk of caries and calculus. To determine the relationship between caries and calculus risk among adolescent smokers using a technological approach the Calrisk Dentistry application. This was a descriptive-analytic study with a cross-sectional approach, conducted at SMK Swakarya Palembang in April 2025. The sample consisted of 49 students selected through total sampling. Data were obtained through clinical examinations and input into the Calrisk application. Data analysis using Pearson correlation test. A total of 69,4% of respondents smoked “occasionally”, with 73,5% categorized as light smokers (1 – 5 cigarattes/day). Caries were found to be low (51%), moderate (34,7%), and high (12,2%). Based on depth, 75.5% had dentin-level caries (DCC) and 67.3% had pulp-level caries (PCC). Calculus was most frequently found on the same side as the caries, especially in cases of pulp caries. All respondents who smoked “frequently” or “very frequently” had a moderate calculus risk, while those who smoked “occasionally” had a mild (55,9%) or moderate (44,1%) risk. There were significant correlations between smoking frequency and caries (P=0,002), smoking frequency and calculus risk (p=0,004), as well caries and calculus risk (p=0,042). There is a relationship between adolescent smoking, caries accurrence, and calculus risk.