The role of diet, fluoride and saliva in caries prevention

Saliva is rich in calcium and phosphates, facilitating remineralization of early carious lesions. There is evidence that remineralization is associated with an increase in the size of enamel crystals and a consequent increase in resistance to caries. The contribution of sucrose to the implantation, colonization and metabolic activities of cariogenic bacteria has been clearly established, and has led to the search for sucrose substitutes. Recent report from Australia and the United States of America have reconfirmed the safety and efficacy of fluoride in preventing dental caries. The use of fluoride in various forms thus remains the cornerstone of most caries prevention programme.