Dental caries can be effectively managed and prevented from developing into cavitated lesions while preserving tooth structure at all levels. However, the strong correlation between caries and socioeconomic factors may compromise the efficacy of preventive strategies. The high prevalence of persistent inequalities in dental caries in Latin American and Caribbean countries (LACC) is a matter of concern. The estimates of the burden of disease in some countries in this region are outdated or absent. This paper aims to summarize and present the final recommendations of a regional Consensus for Dental Caries Prevalence, Prospects, and Challenges for LACC. This consensus is based on four articles that were written by a team of Latin American experts, reviewed by dental associations, and presented and discussed in two consensus events. The following domains were explored: epidemiology, risk factors, prevention strategies, and management of dental caries with a focus on restorative procedures. Dental caries can manifest throughout the lifespan of an individual, making it a matter of concern for infants, children, adults, and older people alike. The prevalence rates of untreated caries in deciduous and permanent teeth are high in many parts of the world, including LACCs. Previous evidence suggests that the prevalence of dental caries in 12-year-olds is moderate to high in most Latin American countries. Moreover, the prevalence of treatment needs and dental caries in the adult and elderly population can also be regarded as high in this region. The risk/protective factors (e.g., sugar consumption, exposure to fluoride, and oral hygiene) probably operate similarly in all LACCs, although variations in the interplay of these factors in some countries and within the same country cannot be ruled out. Although salt and water fluoridation programs are implemented in many countries, there is a need for implementation of a surveillance policy. There is also room for improvement with regard to the introduction of minimal intervention techniques in practice and public health programs. Dental caries is a marker of social disadvantage, and oral health promotion programs and interventions aimed at reducing the burden of dental caries in LACCs must consider the complexity of the socioeconomic dynamics in this region. There is an urgent need to promote engagement of stakeholders, policymakers, medical personnel, universities, dental associations, community members, and industries to develop regional plans that enhance the oral health agenda for LACCs. A list of recommendations has been presented to underpin strategies aimed at reducing the prevalence and severity of dental caries and improving the quality of life of the impacted LACC population in the near future.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of dental caries and tooth loss on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in socioeconomically disadvantaged people. A population-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted in 28 cities at social risk in Northeast Brazil. All permanent residents aged 12, 15–19, 35–44, and 65–74 years were eligible, and 3063 were included. Participants answered a questionnaire on socioeconomic status, beliefs, and behaviors. Trained local dentists performed oral clinical examinations during home visits. Caries and tooth loss were evaluated using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index and OHRQoL was evaluated using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Poisson regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between individual domains, OHIP-14 scores, dental caries, tooth loss, and socioeconomic/demographic characteristics. Mean DMFT (standard deviation) scores were 2.68 (4.01), 4.84 (4.30), 15.35 (7.26), and 26.72 (8.03) for groups aged 12, 15–19, 35–44, and 65–74 years, respectively. Most participants (70%) were partially edentulous and 13% were completely edentulous. Caries and tooth loss significantly increased with age and impacted OHRQoL. Physical pain (5.8%) and psychological discomfort (5.8%) were the most commonly reported on the OHIP-14. Untreated caries (prevalence ratio (PR), 1.54; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.37–1.72) and edentulism (PR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.08–1.53) had a significant negative impact on OHRQoL. Income, level of education, sex, age, and oral hygiene habits were also related to OHRQoL. There was a high prevalence of dental caries and edentulism in all age groups except 12-year-olds. OHRQoL was negatively impacted by these oral conditions across the lifespan, with a trend towards more negative scores and higher impact in older adults.

Background: To evaluate the efficacy of fluoride-containing toothpastes with different technologies to remineralize artificial caries lesions in enamel. Methods: Bovine enamel blocks were divided into three thirds: intact (untreated), demineralized (artificial caries lesion), and treated (caries lesion, pH cycling with dentifrices). Enamel blocks were randomly distributed into five groups (n = 12): Fluoride-free toothpaste, Colgate Oral Care (NC); Arginine-containing toothpaste, Colgate Total Daily Repair (PC); Silicate-based fluoride toothpaste: REFIX technology, regenerador + sensitive (RDC), NR-5 technology, Regenerate Enamel Science (RES), and NOVAMIN technology, Sensodyne Repair and Protect (SRP). The specimens were submitted to a pH cycling model for 6 days. The efficacy of the toothpastes was estimated by calculating the surface microhardness recovery (%SMH_R) and the fluorescence recovery (ΔF_RE) with quantitative light-induced fluorescence. The cross-sectional micromorphology of the enamel surface was also assessed using scanning electron microscopy. Elemental analyses (weight%) were determined with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). The results were compared to that of the control (NC). Data were statistically analyzed (5%). Results: %SMH_R could be ranked as follows: RDC = PC = RES = SRP > NC. Significantly higher %SMH_R and ΔF_RE means were observed after enamel treatment with RDC (22.7 and 46.9, respectively). PC (%SMH_R = 18.8) was as efficacious as RDC to recover the surface microhardness with a significantly lower mean of ΔF_RE (19.5). Only RDC was able to promote the formation of a mineralized layer on the surface of enamel enriched with silicon on the surface. Conclusions: The silicate-based fluoride toothpaste containing REFIX technology demonstrated greater efficacy in the remineralizing artificial caries than the other products.

This review aimed to describe the importance of the first 1000 days of a child's life as a golden period for interventions and actions to prevent dental caries and other chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) throughout the life course and highlight that the first 450 days of life could be even more important for oral health. During the first 1000 days of life (pregnancy and first two years of life), health care providers can identify unhealthy lifestyles, behaviors, and their determinants. Bearing in mind contextual factors like socioeconomic conditions and cultural aspects, this is a unique period to work together with the family and identify opportunities for adopting healthy habits that might last throughout the life of the expected or newborn child. This is a "window of opportunity" for the prevention of chronic NCDs of both systemic and oral origin, such as overweight, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and dental caries. In fact, to effectively prevent dental caries, pregnancy and the first 6 months of a child's life (first 450 days) should be considered the critical period to work together with families to facilitate the adoption of healthy habits. Knowledge about the first thousand days of life is essential and represents a crucial period for the implementation of actions and interventions that will guarantee good oral and general health development that can persist throughout life.