The current concepts and the future research in the treatment of dental caries and the control of biofilm

Abstract

Dental caries is a multifactorial disease, considered worldwide as the most prevalent illness and with the major cost for its treatment. Early carious lesions, when diagnosed, have traditionally been treated by excavation and the placement of metallic or synthetic restorations. A finding in the recent years is that caries lesions can be arrested and remineralized. One of the most effective preventive measures is fluoride; nevertheless new technologies can remineralize enamel lesions. This article pretends to review recent research findings in caries prevention and plaque formation.