Modern Scientific Trends in the Treatment and Prevention of Dental Caries

Abstract

Background. Dental caries remains the most common disease of humanity today. The results of scientific research and clinical observations show that dental caries is most often treated surgically. The most effective way to reduce caries incidence is through primary prevention. Objective. The purpose of the study is to determine the current state of the problem of treatment and prevention of dental caries, to outline promising directions for solving this problem. Methods. In order to find out the main world trends in the treatment and prevention of dental caries, we studied the English-language papers of authors from Portugal, the USA, Saudi Arabia, Korea, Brazil, China, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Cote d'Ivoire, Italy, Ireland, Germany, France, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Turkey, Belgium, Poland and Croatia published in 2019–2023, including literature reviews that tracked the fundamental data of previous years. The analysis of literary sources made it possible to determine that world scientists have made significant achievements with methodological and methodical conclusions, conducted a comparative assessment and proposed new ways to solve the problem in modern conditions. Results. The issue of modern scientific trends in the treatment and prevention of dental caries are presented in this paper. It was established that the main methods of primary prevention in dentistry were the use of sealants for pits and fissures, local professional use of fluoride preparations, use of fluorine-containing toothpaste, chlorhexidine mouthwash at home, use of xylitol, recommendations for regular visits to the dentist, adherence to a non-cariogenic diet and oral hygiene habits. An analysis of various treatment approaches for dental caries is presented. An evaluation of the proposed treatment methods was carried out in the aspect of a critical approach to preventive removal of hard tooth tissues. The main prospective directions for improvement of treatment and preventive measures are outlined. Conclusions. Dentistry should begin with the identification and elimination of cariesogenic factors, preventive measures should be dominant. With the elimination of carious disease, the need for related specialties will significantly decrease