CONTROL OF DENTAL CARIES IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Many theories have been advanced in recent years to explain the cause of dental caries. Some evidence has been accumulating that indicates a specific relationship between the incidence of this disease and either the intake of calcium and phosphorus or their utilization as affected by vitamin D. There are those who believe that vitamin C is of considerable importance as a protective agent. Others are of the opinion that protection comes through the chemical composition of the saliva as influenced by the acid-base potential of the diet or by factors affecting its content of calcium or phosphorus. There are many who believe that cavities are initiated on the surface of teeth by acids formed locally by bacterial action. The mass of evidence seems to indicate that a well selected diet in most cases insures against the rapid progress of this disease. There seemed to be a need for studying all