Contemporary Anticariogenic Agents

Carious lesions of primary teeth are left untreated in many cases due to lack of knowledge & attitude of the parents regarding importance of primary teeth & also because of the expensive treatment facilities. Parents spend considerable amount of time and money on their children¿s health. However, there is a common misconception that there is no need of expenses on primary teeth treatment, as they will shed off eventually & permanent dentition will replace them. But it is imperative that the primary dentition is preserved in good health to avoid premature exfoliation & thus maintaining normal growth of the jaws, permanent teeth & masticatory musculature. Thus in today¿s world, preventive approaches are of more importance for those at need as it not only preserves healthy teeth, but makes caries easily treatable, affordable by decreasing the current tremendous demand for restorative and surgical treatment; with the lowest use of equipment and ability to perform these treatments at community levels also. A number of anticariogenic agents have been tested through ages for their caries preventing, arresting and/or remineralizing potential.