CARIES IN CHILDREN - CONDITIONS AND TREATMENT

Abstract

 Dental caries is the most common chronic disease affecting children worldwide. It is a multifactorial, biofilm-mediated, sugar-driven disease that leads to the progressive destruction of the tooth structure. If left untreated, caries can cause pain, infection, difficulty in eating, speech development issues, and psychological distress. This article explores the etiology, risk factors, clinical features, diagnostic criteria, and stages of dental caries in children. It also provides an in-depth discussion of current preventive and therapeutic approaches, including fluoride application, sealants, dietary modification, restorative care, and behavior management techniques suitable for pediatric patients.