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Assessing Caries Risk in Varsity College Athletes Using Modified CAMBRA

Year: 2025
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Purpose: Varsity collegiate athletes are at risk for caries due to high-sugar diets, frequent snacking, and limited time for oral care due to demanding schedules. This study assessed caries risk and oral hygiene practices of varsity collegiate athletes at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) and contributing risk factors using a modified Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) model. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study design (UNC IRB # 24-2346) was implemented and distributed to 26 varsity sports teams (767 athletes) at UNC-CH. The survey was adapted from CAMBRA and administered via Qualtrics, collecting quantitative data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis. Results: Participants included 193 athletes (25% response rate) from 24 teams. Twenty-three percent (n=44) were at low risk for developing caries, 45% (n=86) were at moderate risk, 33% (n=63) were at high risk, and zero percent were at extreme risk. Most (88%, n=170) follow ADA-recommended oral hygiene practices. Participants reported risk factors such as frequent snacking (68%, n=132), orthodontics (53%, n=103), and xerostomia (35%, n=67) at a statistically significant rate (p<0.05). Participants self-reported disease indicators, with 8% (n=16) stating their dentist diagnosed caries at their last dental visit and 33% (n=64) indicating they had a carious lesion restored within the past three years. Conclusion: This study highlights unique barriers collegiate athletes face, such as their schedule of food and beverage intake, time constraints, and oral hygiene practices, which may contribute to caries risk. Future studies should further explore individual risk factors for this population. Funding: This project was supported by the Salisbury Family Excellence Fund Administered by Honors Carolina.
DOI: 10.17615/chwy-7985
Author: Rooney, Sofia
Language: English
Subfield: Periodontics
Field: Dentistry
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6962954954
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