Pasado, presente y futuro de la cariología

We present a brief review of the evolution of the concepts associated with the epidemiology, diagnosis, etiology and treatment of caries, to provide an update and orientation for dental professionals. The term “caries” includes the disease and its clinical sign. The disease involves a dysbiosis of the normal oral biofilm that responds dynamically to a sugar-rich diet, metabolizing acids that result in caries lesions. Currently, the diagnosis begins with the evaluation of cariogenic risk, followed by the detection of lesions and the evaluation of their activity. For the treatment, interventions allowing the control of biofilm activity and the recovery of damaged dental tissues through minimal intervention are indicated. In the future, interventions reducing sugar consumption, together with the knowledge of the microbiome, the use of artificial intelligence and the use of biomimetic materials will allow for a personalized management to maintain and recover individual oral health. Finally, to transfer the scientific advances made in cariology to the clinical practice, urgent changes are required in education and in the context in which the dental professional works.