The use of dental sealants is a method of prevention. [119] A sealant is a thin, plastic-like layer applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent food from getting trapped inside the pits and fissures. This deprives the plaque-resident bacteria of carbohydrates, preventing the formation of pit and fissure caries. Sealants are usually applied to children’s teeth, as soon as the teeth erupt but adults receive them if they have not been done before. Sealants can wear out and fail to prevent food and plaque bacteria from getting inside the pits and crevices and need to be replaced so they should be checked regularly by dentists. Dental sealants have been shown to be more effective in preventing occlusal caries when compared to fluoride varnish applications.[120]
Calcium, found in foods such as milk and green vegetables, is often recommended for protection against tooth decay. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by binding to hydroxyapatite crystals in the enamel.[121] mutans is the main cause of tooth decay. Low concentration fluoride ions act as a therapeutic antibacterial agent and high concentration fluoride ions are bactericidal.[122] The built-in fluorine makes the enamel more resistant to demineralization, and thus resistant to corrosion.[123] Fluoride can be found in topical or systemic form.[124] Topical fluoride is recommended over systemic intake to protect the surface of teeth.[125] Topical fluoride is used in toothpaste, mouthwash, and fluoride varnish.[124] Standard fluoride toothpaste (1000-1500 ppm) is more effective than low fluoride toothpaste (<600 ppm) for preventing cavities.[126] After brushing and fluoride toothpaste, excessive rinsing and spitting should be avoided.[127] Many dentists include the application of topical fluoride solutions as part of routine visits and recommend the use of amorphous and amorphous calcium phosphate products. Silver diamine fluoride may work better than fluoride varnish to prevent tooth decay.[128] Systemic fluoride is found as tablets, tablets, drops, and water fluoridation. They are taken orally to provide fluoride systemically.[124] Water fluoridation has been shown to be beneficial for preventing tooth decay, especially in low socioeconomic areas, where other forms of fluoride are not available. However, a Cochrane systematic review found no evidence to suggest that regular fluoride intake in pregnant women was effective in preventing dental caries in their offspring.[124]
An oral health assessment done before a child turns 1 may help manage cavities. Evaluation of oral health should include examining the child’s history, physical examination, checking the risk of caries in the child including the status of their obstruction and assessing how well the parent or caregiver is equipped to help the child to prevent caries. [128] In order to increase the child’s cooperation in caries management, good communication must be used by the dentist and the rest of the dental office staff. This communication can be improved by calling the child their name, using eye contact and including them in any conversation about their treatment.[128]
