Understanding dental caries - From pathogenesis to prevention and therapy

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview demonstrating the pivotal importance of understanding the caries process in enamel (and then, for a subset of lesions which ever progress, beyond that, into the dentine) if we are to best prevent and control dental caries over the life course in both patients and populations. There is a need also to understand the complexities and opportunities in the detection, assessment and diagnostic steps in order to inform decision-making and effective, personalised care planning. Modern caries care, provided at the right times on the basis of caries risk, should ensure that the disease is controlled and that tooth structure is preserved whenever possible.