Which practice aligns with the new paradigm for caries management?

• A. Focusing on surgical restoration alone
• B. Changing the biofilm environment and maintaining a neutral pH
• C. Relying solely on vaccines
• D. Increasing sugar exposure to study tolerance

Answer: (B)

Contemporary caries management aims to alter the biofilm environment so acid is not continually produced and minerals can be rebuilt. Keeping the biofilm at or near neutral pH reduces demineralization and supports remineralization, especially with fluoride present in toothpaste, varnish, or water. This approach relies on controlling the cariogenic biofilm through effective plaque removal, reducing frequent sugar intake, supporting saliva, and using preventive measures that stabilize the oral environment rather than just repairing damage after it occurs.

Relying only on surgical restoration focuses on repairing lesions after they have formed and misses the opportunity to prevent progression or new lesions. Vaccines are not a standard, widely available tool in caries management today. Increasing sugar exposure to test tolerance would worsen the problem, as more sugar drives acid production by the biofilm.