Abstract

The primary, secondary and tertiary prevention include all the measures taken to reduce or eradicate the carious decay. Dental caries is a transmissible bacterial disease process caused by acids from bacterial metabolism, diffusing into enamel and dentine and dissolving the mineral. Cariogenic bacteria induce a number of demineralization and remineralization cycles. A high numbers of bacteria are contributing to the formation and accumulation of dental plaque (composed essentially by mutans streptococci and lactobacilli), inadequate salivary flow, insufficient fluoride exposure, poor oral hygiene, and inappropriate methods of feeding infants. Altogether these factors contribute to increase the number and severity of carious decay. Fluoride, antimicrobial agents (e.g. chlorhexidine), sugar substitutes and stimulation of saliva flow contribute to diminish or minimize dental carious lesions. 

Keywords

cariogenic bacteria, dental plaque, de-and re-mineralization cycles, sugar substitutes, occupational constraints, toxic risk, lighting conditions, load handling, occupational stress, health, medical, periodic visits, social reintegration, ecological plaque hypothesis, fermentable sugars, oral bacteria, matrix formation, teeth erupt