Non Surgical Management of Dental Caries

Untreated dental caries in permanent teeth is the most common disease, affecting almost 10% of the global population and more the 530 million children, as documented by WHO.The present scenario of management of dental caries primarily highlights symptomatic approach through drilling and filling while caries prevention remains spurned.The medical model of caries management is a philosophy that steers sustainable caries management through controlling bacterial infection, a reduction of risk levels, remineralisation of teeth and long-term follow-up. Its goal is to prevent new and recurrent caries, arrest ongoing caries processes by alteration of the cariogenic environment, and support the healing of remineralisable enamel and dentine. The mechanism involves dietary counselling and plaque control, placement of dental sealants, administration of fluoride agents and chemotherapeutic medications and use of chewing gum. This paradigm shift from a surgical to a medical model aims to pursue the ultimate intention of maintaining a caries-free dentition and is anticipated to promote true oral health-related quality of life.