Is It Inevitable?
Preventing or reversing the caries process is possible by enhancing protective factors and reducing pathologic factors.
Remineralization & Demineralization
- Caries is a dynamic process involving protective and pathological factors.
- Teeth are subjected to an ongoing cycle of demineralization and remineralization.
- To help prevent or reverse the caries process and tip the balance towards "no caries", we can:
- Decrease the likelihood of the child being colonized by acid-producing bacteria through preventive care and treatment for mothers.
- Limit the number of times the teeth are subjected to acid attacks by decreasing the frequency of consumption of dietary carbohydrates.
- Make teeth more resistant to acid through the use of fluoride.
- Enhance remineralization through the use of fluoride.
J Calif Dent Assoc. 2003.
References
Featherstone JD, Adair SM, Anderson MH et al., Caries management by risk assessment: Consensus statement, April 2002. J Calif Dent Assoc. 2003;31(3);257-69.
Rechmann P, Kinsel R, Featherstone JDB. Integrating Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) and Prevention Strategies Into the Contemporary Dental Practice. Compend Contin Educ Dent. 2018;39(4):226-234.
Featherstone JDB, Chaffee BW. The Evidence for Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA®). Adv Dent Res. 2018;29(1):9-14.