Dental caries is a disease that results in destruction of tooth structure called as carious lesions. The formation of carious lesion over a period of time is a sequel of alternating sequence of demineralization and remineralization of the hydroxyapatite crystals in the tooth structure. The yesteryears’ management was focused on the lesions alone, in the surgical model of ‘drill and fill’. Currently the disease prevention is receiving its due attention, a paradigm shift which is a result of a better and deeper understanding of the etiopathogenesis of carious disease. The formation of new lesions as well as remineralization of initial lesions are prevented by targeting various causative factors using biomaterials. These preventive materials and their current modifications are used in the non-operative treatment of caries, focusing on the preservation of the healthy tooth structure. This article highlights the latest advances in biomaterials used for the nonoperative treatment of dental caries.
Longbottom C, Huysman MC, Pitts NB, Fontana M. Glossary of terms. In: Pitts NB, editor. Detection, assessment, diagnosis and monitoring of caries. Basel, Krager: Monogr Oral Sci; 2009. pp. 209-16.
Simonsen R J, Stallard R E. Sealant-restorations utilizing a dilute filled composite resin: one year results. Quintessence Int 1977;23: 307-315.
Steinberg SI. Understanding and managing dental caries: a medical approach. Alpha Omega 2007;100(3):127-34.
SBU. Swedish Council on Technology assessment in health care. 2002. Prevention of dental caries: A systematic review. Rep No 161; pp. 1-26
American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs. Professionally applied topical fluoride: Evidence-based clinical recommendations. J Am Dent Assoc. 2006;137:1151- 9.
Pessan JP, Al-Ibrahim NS, Buzalaf MA, Toumba KJ. Slowrelease fluoride devices: a literature review. J Appl Oral Sci. 2008;16:238-46.
Andreadis GA, Toumba KJ, Curzon ME. Slow-release fluoride glass devices: in vivo fluoride release and retention of the devices in children. Eur Arch Paediatr 2006;7(4):258-61.
Chen F, Wang D. Novel technologies for the prevention and treatment of dental caries: a patent survey. Expert Opin Ther Pat. 2010;20(5):681-94.
Bayrak S, Tunc ES, Aksoy A, Ertas E, Guvenc D, Ozer S. Fluoride Release and Recharge from Different Materials Used as Fissure Sealants. European Journal of Dentistry 2010;4(3):245-250.
Azarpazhooh A, Limeback H. Clinical efficacy of casein derivatives. a systematic review of the literature. J Am Dent Assoc 2008;139:915-24.
Autio-Gold J. The role of chlorhexidine in caries prevention. Oper Dent 2008;33:710-6.
Anusavice KJ. Present and future approaches for the control of caries. J Dent Educ 2005;69:538-54.
Chen F, Liu XM, Rice KC, et al. Tooth-binding micelles for dental caries prevention. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2009;53(11):4898-902.
Al-Hebshi NN, Nielsen O, Skaug N. In vitro effects of crude khat extracts on the growth, colonization, and glucosyltransferases of Streptococcus mutans. Acta Odontol Scand 2005;63(3):136-42.
Rahim ZH, Khan HB. Comparative studies on the effect of crude aqueous (CA) and solvent (CM) extracts of clove on the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans. J Oral Sci 2006;48(3):117-23.
Koo H, Nino de Guzman P, Schobel BD, et al. Influence of cranberry juice on glucan-mediated processes involved in Streptococcus mutans biofilm development. Caries Res 2006;40(1):20-7.
Yu HH, Lee DH, Seo SJ, You YO. Anticariogenic properties of the extract of Cyperus rotundus. Am J Chin Med 2007;35:497-505
Brighenti FL, Luppens SB, Delbem AC, et al. Effect of Psidium cattleianum leaf extract on Streptococcus mutans viability, protein expression and acid production. Caries Res 2008;42(2):148-54.
Yu HH, Lee JS, Lee KH, et al. Saussurea lappa inhibits the growth, acid production, adhesion, and water-insoluble glucan synthesis of Streptococcus mutans. J Ethnopharmacol 2007;111:413-7.
Papetti A, Pruzzo C, Daglia M, et al. Effect of barley coffee on the adhesive properties of oral streptococci. J Agric Food Chem 2007;55(2):278-84.
Guggenheim B, Giertsen E, Schupbach P, Shapiro S. Validation of an in vitro biofilm model of supragingival plaque. J Dent Res 2001;80(1):363-70.
Eckert R, He J, Yarbrough DK, et al. Targeted killing of Streptococcus mutans by a pheromone-guided “smart” antimicrobial peptide. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2006;50(11):3651-7.
Meurman JH, Stamatova I. Probiotics: contributions to oral health. Oral Dis 2007;13:443-51.
Abiko Y. Passive immunization against dental caries and periodontal disease: development of recombinant and human monoclonal antibody. Crit Rev Oral Biol Med 2000;11:140- 58.
Borges Yáñez SA. Sugar substitutes in the prevention of dental caries: review of the literature. Pract Odontol 1991;12(8):59-60.
Antonio AG, Pierro VS, Maia LC. Caries preventive effects of xylitol-based candies and lozenges: a systematic review. J Public Health Dent 2011;71(2):117-24.
