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CARIES DETECTION TECHNOLOGY During most of the 20th century, if changes in the hard surface of the tooth were detected they were either "watched" or treated surgically. During the past [...]

Antibacterial properties of glass isonomer cements (GIC)and a zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) for atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) were evaluated in vitro. The test microorganisms were Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces viscosus and Enteroccoccus faecalis. Freshly prepared GIC's used in ART exhibited antibacterial effects against cariogenic bacteria for at least a week, but further studies on long-term antimicrobial effects of GICs is required.

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jada.2005.08.017 Abstract: The American Dietetic Association reaffirms that fluoride is an important element for all mineralized tissues in the body. Appropriate fluoride exposure and usage is beneficial to bone and tooth integrity and, as such, has an important, positive impact on oral health as well as general health throughout life. Fluoride is an important element in the mineralization of bone and teeth. The proper use of topical and systemic fluoride has resulted in major reductions in dental caries (tooth decay) and its associated disability. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have named fluoridation of water as one of the 10 most important public health measures of the 20th century. Nearly 100 national and international organizations recognize the public health benefits of community water fluoridation for preventing dental caries. However, by the year 2000, over one third of the US population (over 100 million people) were still without this critical public health measure. Fluoride also plays a role in bone health. However, the use of high doses of fluoride for prevention of osteoporosis is considered experimental at this point. Dietetics professionals should routinely monitor and promote the use of systemic and topical fluorides, especially in children and adolescents. The American Dietetic Association strongly reaffirms its endorsement of the appropriate use of systemic and topical fluorides, including water fluoridation, at appropriate levels as an important public health measure throughout the life span.

We evaluated the acceptability and effectiveness of atraumatic restorative treatment to prevent and treat caries in an underserved community in Mexico. We placed 370 restorations and 193 sealants in 118 children aged 5 to 18; 85% reported no pain, and 93% were comfortable with their restorations. We then evaluated the children 1 and 2 years later. At 2-year evaluation, 66% of restorations and 35% of sealants were retained. Atraumatic restorative treatment is acceptable and effective to control and prevent decay in a socioeconomically deprived community. (doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2004.056945)

Human ingenuity has led to creative and sometimes baffling measures in the quest to prevent and treat dental caries. However, these measures often ended in complete loss of the affected tooth. Dental caries is now the most common chronic childhood disease in the United States.