← All explanationsCaries risk

How is my risk of tooth decay assessed?

Caries risk concerns the likelihood of new decay or progression of existing lesions. Assessment combines previous findings with daily routines, saliva, fluoride protection and other influences. It is not a certain prediction and cannot be inferred from sugar intake or one number alone.

For training & practice ↓

Teaching model with purple disclosed deposits near the margins of upper front teeth. — Disclosed deposits in a model · not a caries finding or risk score

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Gather information

New lesions, past treatment, dry mouth, cleaning and eating patterns provide different kinds of information.

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Consider risk and protection

Frequent sugar exposure and low saliva may be unfavourable. Fluoride and effective cleaning are protective; no single factor explains every finding.

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Review the plan

Prevention and review intervals are discussed individually. Changed circumstances may require a new assessment.

Watch the short explanation ↓

At a glance

One cause?

Several factors usually interact.

Can risk change?

Yes, when findings or circumstances change.

Purpose?

Appropriate prevention and review.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.

Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.

Read the film text in English

Gather information
New lesions, past treatment, dry mouth, cleaning and eating patterns provide different kinds of information.
Consider risk and protection
Frequent sugar exposure and low saliva may be unfavourable. Fluoride and effective cleaning are protective; no single factor explains every finding.
Review the plan
Prevention and review intervals are discussed individually. Changed circumstances may require a new assessment.

Often confused

Risk, activity and caries experience

Risk concerns possible future development. Activity concerns an existing lesion. Caries experience records previous or current damage and restorations.

Quick answers

Does high risk mean I already have a cavity?

No. Risk and diagnosis of an existing lesion are different statements.

Why can decay occur despite brushing?

Cleaning matters but is not the only influence. Frequent sugar exposure, low saliva, hard-to-reach areas and fluoride protection also need consideration.

Does risk stay the same?

No. Medical conditions, medicines, cleaning circumstances and eating patterns may change it.

At the practice

For a personal discussion

Editorially suggested question to discuss with Dr Niusha Barahmand Pour:

Which modifiable factors matter most in my situation?

Bring questions about dry mouth, diet and cleaning.

Discuss personal caries preventionAppointment selection at Doctolib

Meet Dr. Niusha Barahmand Pour ↗

Learning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge

Risk factor: An influence associated with disease or its development.
Protective factor: An influence that counters disease.
Disease indicator: A finding such as new decay indicating an existing problem.

Make the distinction

Risk concerns possible future development. Activity concerns an existing lesion. Caries experience records previous or current damage and restorations.

Knowledge questionWhat does risk assessment not replace?

For learning, not for assessing personal symptoms. Your answer is not stored or sent.

Examination for existing decay.
Discussion of cleaning.
Discussion of protective factors.

View answer

Examination for existing decay.

Future risk and current tooth condition require separate assessment.

Sources and context

Editorial research: 2026-11-02. General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.