Caries in children: what every dentist should know

For years, pediatric and preventive dentistry was considered a static discipline—but today, it is once again
central to oral health care. Childhood habits—diet, hygiene, and behavior—shape the foundation for
lifelong well-being. While fluoride use has significantly reduced caries prevalence, many children, especially
those from disadvantaged backgrounds, continue to suffer from untreated decay. These two consecutive
lectures approach the topic of childhood caries from two complementary angles.
“What Every Dentist Should Know,” provides an evidence-based overview of caries prevention,
risk assessment, and early management strategies—outlining what every dentist, regardless of specialty,
should understand to effectively prevent and intercept the disease.