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The complex nature of caries prevention

Charmaine Matthew discusses the factors which impact tooth decay.

There are many factors that may contribute to the development of dental caries, many of which patients can influence with positive oral hygiene behaviours. The greatest challenge for the dental team is often educating patients to the point where they genuinely appreciate the importance of preventing caries, as well as understand the role they play every day. However, this is easier said than done, because the risk factors can be complex.

The current landscape

In the UK, nearly a third of adults have tooth decay, which is commonly caused by inadequate oral hygiene, as well as a diet high in sugar. The story is little better for children. In 2017, almost a quarter of five-year-olds had tooth decay.

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