Karies – risikovurdering og forebyggelse

English summary Caries Risk Assessment and Prevention Nor Tannlegeforen Tid. 2025; 135: 188-96. Together with periodontitis, dental caries has been the most common reason for treatment. Since the introduction of fluoride, a marked decline in the occurrence of caries has been reported, especially in the Western world. Caries is still the main cause of pain and the need for dental treatment, and it remains a health problem that can cause reduced quality of life. Our goal as healthcare providers is to ensure, together with patients, that they are cavity-free throughout their lives. Through targeted preventive work, focusing on training, information, good oral hygiene, fluoride and dietary guidance, caries incidence can be reduced. The modern treatment philosophy consists of an early diagnosis of caries lesions, caries risk assessment, preventing the development and progression, providing methods for the remineralization, as well as promoting individual recall-intervals, and limiting invasive treatment. For most individuals it is sufficient to use fluoride-containing toothpaste with optimal fluoride concentration. For patients at increased caries risk, the use of high-fluoride toothpaste, fluoride rinse, fluoride varnish and SDF, as well as sealing can be necessary. In order for the latter measures to have the best effect, motivation and information about lifestyle changes such as oral hygiene and dietary habits are essential.