Title: Unlocking the power of saliva: Strategies for caries management and prevention
Abstract:
The oral cavity is home to a complex microbiome, comprising over 700 bacterial species, though only a subset is linked to dental caries and periodontal disease. Dental caries is a multifactorial, biofilm-mediated, diet-driven disease, characterised by net mineral loss from dental tissues due to acids produced by cariogenic bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, in dental plaque. After sugar intake, these acids lower plaque pH, driving demineralisation. Crucially, saliva plays a key protective role: it buffers acids, supplies calcium and phosphate, and promotes remineralisation. The pH of saliva is vital in maintaining this balance, as a neutral or slightly alkaline pH supports the repair of early lesions. Traditionally, dental practitioners focused on repairing damage; today, their approach emphasises early detection and remineralisation of incipient carious lesions, before any disruption of dental tissues occurs. Thus, saliva, through its buffering capacity and mineral supply, remains central to preventive care, guiding a shift in dental practice towards preserving and restoring health before irreversible damage occurs.
