Abstract

Background study: Dental caries is considered one of the most prevalent chronic oral diseases across the globe. In order to allow a comprehensive action and promoting health by the dentist, it is essential to know the process of development of this disease. It is necessary to understand the concept of caries and the mechanisms evolution involved in order to avoid its installation. Interfering adequately in its evolution and repairing consequent damages, it is possible follow the current philosophy of maximum dental preservation.
Material and methods: A literature review of articles published on PubMed was conducted. The selection criteria were: papers published and referring studies to dental caries progression and treatment over the last years.
Conclusion: Understand the complex biofilm that exists on tooth surfaces may hold the key to more effective control of dental caries by dentists. The dentist needs to know how to recognize the signs of caries disease and not only treat it with restorative procedures. Since caries can be reversible or irreversible it is necessary focus on prevention.

Keywords: Antimicrobials; Dental caries; Biofilm; Magnesium; Dental plaque; Dental materials