[Series: Caries prevention in historical perspective. Early treatment of carious lesions]

In the Dutch Journal of Dentistry the opinion is often expressed that treatment of carious deciduous teeth is necessary to reduce the risk of dental caries in the permanent teeth. It is clear that early restorative treatment of caries lesions can contribute to the preservation of teeth. The question is whether such a treatment also has a primary preventive impact on other not yet affected teeth. Results of epidemiological research carried out in the period 1960-1980 do not support the view that it does. To combat the 'disease' caries in children restoration of carious teeth alone will not suffice. Professional oral care in young children should be focused primarily on removing the causes of dental caries by insisting on improvements in hygiene and diet.