ROLE OF FLUORIDE IN DENTAL CARIES RE-MINERALIZATION: A REVIEW

Traditional management of dental caries has focused primarily on treatment via the excision of diseased tissues and subsequent restoration of the defect (Tsang et al., 2006). [1] Mechanical tooth preparation is a destructive and irreversible method of removing the natural dental tissues. The artificial dental materials closely resemble those of natural dental tissues are in use now a days for dental caries refilling. Dental restorations and even implants cannot replace natural teeth completely (Stewart and Hale 2003). [2] Dental caries is a disease that involves the localized chemical dissolution of dental hard tissues due to acids produced by plaque bacteria in bio-film that covers the affected area (Fejerskov, 2008 ).[3] A comprehensive treatment plan for dental caries should include, elimination of cariogenic bacteria, reducing plaque acidogenicity, enhancing tooth remineralisation, and repairing the damaged teeth. Contemporary caries management philosophy has changed from the traditional surgical approach to a medical model, which often includes dietary analysis and advice, oral hygiene instruction, placement of fissure sealants, and the use of fluoride therapy, xylitol chewing gum, and antimicrobial agents such as chlorhexidine. Various forms of fluoride therapy are used to prevent and sometimes to arrest caries, although the effects of fluoride therapy are related to the chemical composition of the fluoride product and the method used to apply the material to the tooth surface (Chu, 2007).[4].