The potential of fluorides and sealants to deal with problems of dental decay

The prevalence of oral diseases in many parts of the world is staggering. 1 Consequently, many countries have, or are developing, a large cadre of professional and auxiliary personnel trained to deliver dental services. The education of these persons has tended to stress skills for reconstructing teeth and their supporting tissues after disease has occurred; teachers in most dental schools seldom emphasize preventive methods. The potential to be able to prevent dental caries as a major oral health problem is great because, of all oral diseases, dental caries is at present the most nearly preventable. Three factors must be present for dental caries to occur: (1) a susceptible host--inasmuch as any tooth will develop caries if challenged sufficiently, all persons with teeth must be considered susceptible; (2) the presence in dental plaque of bacteria that can produce acids which attack the teeth; and (3) a diet suitable for bacterial fermentation. 2’3