An appraisal of various methods for caries control

In summarizing what may be used for caries control, I think the following procedures can be recommended without hesitancy: 1. 1. Dietary management with the marked restriction in refined carbohydrate consumption, at least during periodic intervals. 2. 2. The discontinuance of in-between meal eating of fermentable carbohydrates. 3. 3. The more diligent use of the toothbrush and the brushing done immediately after eating if possible. 4. 4. The topical application of 2 per cent sodium fluoride solution to the clean enamel surface. 5. 5. The use of a dentifrice containing a nontoxic substance specific for the reduction of lactobacilli in the oral cavity. A note of caution should be added and that is that we should not promise too much from these procedures. Too often the patient and even the dentist expect that when this regime is followed conscientiously no more cavities will result. Disappointment is expressed if a year or two later some caries is discovered. We doubt that any procedure that requires patient effort will ever be 100 per cent effective. Therefore, we must not claim that our preventive measures will irradicate dental caries. But in our opinion we can look forward to a reduced incidence of this disease.