Demineralized lesions of enamel and dentin: diagnosis, treatment options and biomimetic approaches to improve oral biofilm and general health
Dental caries and demineralized lesions of the hard tissues of the teeth are widespread on a large scale in the pediatric population, but their prevalence remains very high even in the adult population and it is even increasing in the elderly population. Numerous technologies have been developed to treat these lesions: remineralizing treatments, resin infiltration, bioactive and biomimetic materials are just some of the examples. However, an effective treatment today must take into account the important role that oral health has in the well-being of the entire organism, and all professionals must know not only what are the benefits of their treatments at oral level, but also the systemic benefits that their clinical decisions can determine. We cannot therefore ignore the role of the bacterial biofilm, and, more specifically, of the oral microbiome, the importance of keeping it in balance by recognizing it as a main actor and ally in all the professional’s treatments. The lecture will present some fundamental rules for carrying out a correct differential diagnosis, the advantages and disadvantages of different therapies for the resolution of demineralized lesions of the teeth and some strategies for interacting effectively with the oral biofilm, for better oral health and that of the entire organism.