Root caries

Increasing interest in root caries has resulted in several reports during the year. Problems with diagnosis, epidemiology, structural histopathology, and treatments have clarified some problems concerning root caries. Only active lesions should be registered, but it is important to search for lesions in the periodontal pocket. In several countries, root caries have been found in 30% to 50% of elderly people. In structural investigations, remineralization may occur as irregular precipitation of crystals clearly distinguishable from those of normal sound dentin. Presence of plaque with gram-positive bacteria is closely associated with root caries. Treatment with varnish containing chlorhexidine and thymol may have a reducing effect. Little has been written about the operative treatment of root caries.