The given weights are based on thor

The given weights are based on thorough search in the literature and evaluation of results in a large number of scientific publications. In addition, clinical experience gained from decades of use of saliva tests has been incorporated. However, it should be understood that there are no actual scientific studies available that have evaluated all the factors at the same time, for different age groups and for different areas. Caries risk evaluations cannot be made with mathematical exactness. For example, it is impossible to say with 100 per cent certainty that ”this patient will definitely develop five cavities during the coming year”. On the other hand, it is possible to say that ”based on available information it seems very likely that this patient will develop several cavities during the coming year – with this combination of caries related factors, cavities usually develop”. The Cariogram concept is an attempt to illustrate how a large set of data can be evaluated - based on both science and art!