Dental caries in adults: etiology, risk factors, and preventive strategies

Abstract

Dental caries is a multifactorial disease that affects a large portion of the adult population, with significant implications for both oral and systemic health. Despite advances in understanding its pathogenesis, caries remains a major challenge in modern dentistry. The objective of this study was to characterize dental caries in adults through a literature review, focusing on its etiology, risk factors, and preventive strategies. An exhaustive search was conducted in PubMed for articles published between 2019 and 2024, selecting relevant studies that addressed these aspects. The results show that dental caries in adults is closely related to periodontitis, systemic diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, and factors such as diet, nutrition, and oral hygiene. Additionally, the importance of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis and management of caries is highlighted, along with the potential of preventive interventions, such as the use of fluoride and the implementation of public health policies. Current preventive strategies, while effective, require personalization and a multidisciplinary approach to address the specific needs of adults. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the need for an evidence-based, comprehensive approach to the prevention and treatment of dental caries in adults, considering both local and systemic factors, and suggests future lines of research to improve clinical practice and oral health in this population.