[Dental caries in an ecological perspective].
Dental caries affects the majority of the Danish population. Its aetiology is multi-factorial, but a pH-induced change in the homeostasis of the oral biofilm leading to overgrowth of acid-tolerating bacteria is a key event. A non-invasive concept for prevention and management is emerging based on the common risk factor approach. There is strong evidence that tooth brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste is the most cost-effective way to prevent and control caries development. Physicians need to consider that a number of drugs may affect the saliva flow rate, which increases the caries risk.
Københavns Universitet, Det Sundhedsvidenskabelige Fakultet, Odontologisk Institut, Afdeling for Cariologi og Endodonti, København N, Denmark. stwe@sund.ku.dk
Svante
S
Twetman
Kim
K
Ekstrand
Vibeke
V
Qvist
D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005459:Fluorides / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D014099:Toothbrushing; D014100:Toothpastes; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D014100:Toothpastes; D005459:Fluorides