RESUMEN
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the reliability of caries prevalence in the prediction of future caries activity, and hence, in the determination of bitewing radiographic intervals. DMFS scores of an adult patient population were determined and subsequently related to their caries activity detected one year later using posterior bitewing radiographs. The results showed that caries activity was not limited to those with baseline high caries prevalence [DMFS scores > 20]. Significant proportions of those initially classified as moderate [DMFS score between 5 and 20] or low [DMFS score < 5] caries prevalent, showed caries activity as well, and accounted for more than 50% of the newly developed carious lesions one year later. In all, initial DMFs score could account for only 17% of the variations in caries increment. On the other hand, all of the newly developed carious lesions were confined to the enamel regardless of the initial patient classification as high, moderate or low caries prevalent. The results indicated that caries prevalence is not a satisfactory predictor of future caries activity, and so, might not be a reliable parameter in the determination of bitewing radiographic intervals. The clinical implications of the findings are discussed