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Publisher: Peytchinski Publishing Ltd.
ISSN: 1312-773X (Online)
Issue: 2026, vol. 32, issue3
Subject Area: Dental Medicine
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DOI: 10.5272/jimab.2026323.7119
Published online: 28 September 2026
Review article
J of IMAB. 2026 Jul-Sep;32(3):7119-7123
RISK FACTORS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SECONDARY CARIOUS LESIONS (SCLS) IN PRIMARY DENTITION- A REVIEW
Viktoriya Gateva
, Natalia Gateva-Grancharova,
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University – Sofia, Bulgaria.
ABSTRACT:
Secondary carious lesions (SCLs) are the main cause for failure of restorations and pose challenges in primary dentition due to the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the primary teeth. The objective of this article is to synthesize the information about the risk factors involved in the formation of SCLs in primary teeth. Material-related risk factors include the increased biofilm formation on composites, surface and chemical properties, residual monomer release, polymerization shrinkage, and biodegradation. The risk factors related to the patients are overall caries risk, oral-hygiene behaviors, diet, existing caries burden, and socioeconomic status. Operator-related factors are the moisture control, strict adherence to adhesive protocols, and quality of finishing. Cavity-related risks are highest for Class II restorations, particularly at gingival margins and proximal cervical areas of primary molars. The diagnosis is challenging because visual-tactile methods underdetect early and approximal lesions, bitewing radiography remains imperfect, and newer, modern technologies are promising yet not routine. Prevention must therefore be multifactorial, combining individualized risk assessment, optimal material selection, meticulous technique, biofilm management, and tailored recall. Continued pediatric-focused prospective research is needed to refine evidence-based strategies.
Keywords: secondary caries lesions (SCLs), primary dentition, pediatric dentistry, composite restorations, risk factors, , fluoride release, diagnosis, prevention,
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Please cite this article as: Gateva V, Gateva-Grancharova N. Risk factors for the development of secondary carious lesions (SCLs) in primary dentition- a review. J of IMAB. 2026 Jul-Sep;32(3):7119-7123. [Crossref - 10.5272/jimab.2026323.7119]
Correspondence to: Viktoriya Velizarova Gateva, Department of Pediatric dentistry, Faculty of Dental medicine, Medical University Sofia; 1, Georgi Sofiyski Str., Sofia, Bulgaria. E-mail: v.gateva@fdm.mu-sofia.bg
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Received: 06 October 2025
Published online: 28 September 2026