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CC BY 4.0 · Eur J Dent
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777051
Review Article

Caries Etiology and Preventive Measures

Frederic Meyer
1   Research Department, Dr. Kurt Wolff GmbH & Co. KG, Bielefeld, Germany
,
Erik Schulze zur Wiesche
1   Research Department, Dr. Kurt Wolff GmbH & Co. KG, Bielefeld, Germany
,
Bennett T. Amaechi 
2   Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States
,
Hardy Limeback
3   Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
,
Joachim Enax
1   Research Department, Dr. Kurt Wolff GmbH & Co. KG, Bielefeld, Germany
› Author Affiliations Funding This research was supported by Dr. Kurt Wolff GmbH & Co. KG, Bielefeld, Germany.
› Further Information
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Abstract

Caries is a widespread disease in both children and adults. Caries is caused by the conversion of fermentable carbohydrates by plaque bacteria into acids on the tooth surface. Thus, it is important to focus on sugar reduction and plaque control. For efficient plaque removal/control, state-of-the-art toothpastes contain various active ingredients such as antimicrobial agents (e.g., chlorhexidine, stannous salts, and zinc salts), abrasives (e.g., calcium carbonate, calcium phosphates, and hydrated silica), surfactants (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium methyl cocoyl taurate), and natural compounds (e.g., polyphenols and xylitol). Agents with pH-buffering and calcium-releasing properties (e.g., calcium carbonate and calcium phosphates) and biomimetic actives (e.g., hydroxyapatite) reverse the effects of the acids. Additionally, modern toothbrushes (i.e., electric toothbrushes) as well as dental floss and interdental brushes significantly help remove plaque from dental surfaces including interproximal surfaces. In conclusion, modern concepts in caries prevention should focus not only on tooth remineralization alone but also on the control of all the key factors involved in caries development.

Keywords

caries - teeth - plaque - toothpaste - fluoride - hydroxyapatite - prevention - oral care

Authors' Contribution

Conceptualization was done by F.M., E.S.z.W., and J.E. Methodology was developed by F.M., E.S.z.W. and J.E. Literature search was done F.M., E.S.z.W., B.T.A., H.L., and J.E. F.M. and J.E. wrote the manuscript. Review of the manuscript was done by F.M., E.S.z.W., B.T.A., H.L., and J.E. All the authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.




Publication History

Article published online:
31 March 2024

© 2024. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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