The biology, prevention, diagnosis and conservative treatment of dental caries: A review of newer advances in the field

Abstract

Dental caries is a multifactorial, biofilm and pH mediated disease that affects people of all ages and disproportionally affects certain populations at epidemic proportions. Despite the overly optimistic claims of success in elimination of the disease, it still continues to torment a large portion of the population. The relationship between demineralization and remineralization can tip the caries balance in either direction- either towards arrest of the disease, or progress of the disease. Restoring teeth that are cavitated does not resolve the disease. Caries management by risk assessment (CAMBRA) is an evidence-based model intended to provide dentists with a protocol for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of caries by assessing and addressing a patient’s overall oral health, particularly the caries risk