Which of the following is a risk factor for caries in children, as listed in the high-risk group factors?

• A. Caregivers and/or siblings have caries
• B. Regular brushing twice daily
• C. Frequent fluoride mouthrinse at home
• D. No sugar in the diet

Answer: (A)

The key concept is that caries risk in children rises when there is active disease in close contacts, especially those in the household, because of bacterial transmission and shared oral environments. When caregivers or siblings have caries, cariogenic bacteria like Streptococcus mutans can be transmitted to the child, leading to earlier and greater colonization in the child’s mouth. This increases the likelihood of plaque formation and acid production after sugar intake, elevating the risk of caries development.

The other options describe protective or preventive factors rather than risk factors. Regular brushing twice daily reduces the overall bacterial load and plaque, frequent fluoride mouthrinse strengthens enamel and helps remineralize early lesions, and having no sugar in the diet decreases substrate for acid production. While these practices are important for prevention, they do not constitute a risk factor in the high-risk group factors—the presence of caries in caregivers or siblings does.