Strategies for preventing caries

Preventing and managing dental caries in patients can fall under many categories. These are:

Preventing new caries lesions from appearing



Preventing existing lesions from advancing further




Preserving tooth structure with




Non-operative care at more initial stages




Conservative operative care at more extensive caries stages




Managing caries risk factors




Being alert to changes at both tooth and patient risk levels through periodic monitoring




Improving health outcome for patients 



Improving the oral health routine and diet
Every patient should be educated in how to care for their teeth and gums. The dental team should be in charge of helping patients understand what is involved in an effective daily routine. 1
This includes oral hygiene practices such as toothbrushing with a 1450ppm fluoride toothpaste last thing at night and at one other day during the day. Patients should also be encouraged to clean in bet...