DENTAL CARIES INCIDENCE, PREVALENCE, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Dental caries is one the most common dental health diseases encountered in dentists' outpatient clinics, and it is estimated to be one of the main causes of oral pain and teeth loss. Dental caries constitutes a major obstacle against maintenance of oral health and is thought to be the main cause of progressively increasing burden of the global dental disorders despite the improvement in dental care. Poor dental health can negatively affect the general health and subsequently the quality of life. Dental caries can be prevented and can be effectively treated if early diagnosed. Thus, appropriate knowledge about dental caries epidemiology, diagnostic features, and treatment is fundamental for caries control. Dental caries is prevalent among 9% of children, 36% of adult population, and 29-59% of geriatric population. It is characterized clinically by localized teeth pain that is exacerbated by thermal changes or sugary foods. Clinical examination reveals tooth discoloration, change in texture, and localized tenderness. Plain X ray or laser fluorescence may be required to diagnose early cases of dental caries. Management of caries can be preventive (e.g. dietary modification, oral hygiene practices, fluoride application, sealants for pits and fissures, and vaccines), restorative measures (e.g. filling, crowns, or root canals), and tooth extraction. The choice of treatment measure depends on the dental state and the extent and severity if dental caries. In this article, the incidence, prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment will be reviewed.