EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DIFFERENT DENTAL CARIES PREVENTION STRATEGIES IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Abstract

Background – An examination of the general oral health in the United States establishes that over the past 25 years, primary tooth decay has decreased. Notwithstanding, the mistake of considering early tooth decay as a phenomenon of lesser significance or that tooth decay in primary teeth is inconsequential to the overall health and oral health status of a child has resulted in a continuation of the disease at unacceptably high levels. Furthermore, the delay of onset of tooth decay in Western industrialized countries is not an "immunization against future disease" as primary tooth decay has an effect on future dental health. The premature loss of space may result in malocclusion and the progression of decay can lead to pain and infection resulting in unnecessary financial burden. (Wen et al.2022)

The review will critically analyze preventive strategies outlined below using the evidence-based approach. This involves integrating individual clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research. The higher the strength and quality of the research method, the more likely the research results are valid and applicable to clinical practice. This approach seeks to avoid errors in clinical judgment and will help to close the gap between research and clinical practice. (Greenwell & Walsh, 2021)

Aim – A review of the dental literature was undertaken to determine the most effective method of preventing dental caries in primary teeth or the delay in progression of lesion in high caries risk children. The review attempts to answer the question "What preventative method is most effective in controlling caries levels in high risk children?" (Chou et al.2021)