Primary Prevention of Dental Caries: An Overview

Abstract

Dental caries is a multifactorial disease. Plaque bacteria, fermentable carbohydrates, and a susceptible tooth surface are basic requirements to its occurrence. Dental caries is a preventable infectious disease, and the early identification of risk factors and implementation of oral health preventive measures at a young age can reduce or even avoid this lesion progression. It is recommended that a dental home should be established by age one or within 6 months from eruption of the first primary tooth. Child oral health visits should include caries risk assessment, individualized preventive strategies, and anticipatory guidance. A treatment plan and a periodic supervision of oral care for each child, should be determined based on his/her risk of disease and include appropriate age and preventive measures. This plane may include some specific preventive measures, such as dietary cancelling, oral hygiene instructions, topical antimicrobials, pit and fissure sealant, fluoride therapy, and using Casein PhosphoPeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (Tooth mousse, GC Co., Japan).