Bhavna G Saraf

The dental caries affect the salivary proteome. Consequently saliva appears to be a potential source of biomarkers for dental caries. After the analysis of several studies, there are various proteins candidate for a biomarker role of dental caries, namely, sIgA, mucins 1 and 2, cystatin S, statherins, defensins, CD14 and glucosyltransferase B. The caries susceptibility is measured by the DMFT index, which gives information about the individual caries experience in the past and present. For the assessment of dental health at the time of the study, the DMFT fails, since it cannot distinguish the present experience from the past experience of dental caries. The criteria for dividing individuals into groups with low, moderate and high caries experience are not uniform, varying from study to study, which may contribute to conflicting results. Further studies are needed to define a benchmark to infer whether the individual has an increased risk of caries for an actuation in an early stage.

ICDAS, the International Caries Detection and Assessment System, is a standardized method used by dental professionals to evaluate and categorize dental caries (tooth decay) based on its severity and extent. It utilizes a numerical coding system to describe the various stages of dental caries, from sound teeth with no visible caries (code 0) to severe cavitation with extensive tooth structure damage (code 6). There have been modifications and adaptations of the ICDAS system to enhance its clinical utility. These modifications often involve refinements in the codes or criteria for diagnosing caries, aiming to improve accuracy and consistency in dental caries assessment. These modifications can be tailored to specific clinical needs, making ICDAS a flexible tool in dental practice. This book is an attempt to provides a better understanding of this advanced system of caries classification.