Prevención de la caries dental. Revisión sistemática de la literatura

Abstract

Introduction: Caries is an infectious, multifactorial, transmissible and preventable disease. Therefore, the prevention of dental caries in all ages, especially in childhood, is key to prevent future loss of teeth, compromising the quality of life of the patient. Numerous studies analyze the behavior of strategies to prevent cavities. Reviews were found in Spanish and English on the prevention of caries through specific strategies; however, no updated systematic review was found that synthesizes what has been published in recent years, in English and Spanish, about prevention strategies. Objective: to describe the behavior of methods for the prevention of dental caries based on a systematic review of the literature between 2008 and 2018. Methodology: A search was conducted in Medline, Elsevier, Cochrane Library and Google academic articles evaluating the methods to prevent cavities. Results: most report that prevention is effective, either by analyzing individual techniques or the combination of these. They emphasize the use of probiotic products, ozone therapy, health education programs aimed at children, mothers and teachers, dental brushing, fluoride use, use of polyalcohols and sealants from pits and fissures. Conclusion: most caries prevention strategies are effective. Based on the results, the dentist will be able to effectively contribute to the prevention of cavities, providing their patients with the necessary tools to keep their teeth in a state of functionality and aesthetics.