Fluoride utilization has led to the significant reduction in dental caries (decay), but dental caries still remain a major public health problem, particularly in underserved and aging communities. The International Conference on Novel AntiCaries and Remineralizing Agents 3 (ICNARA 3) sought to summarize the current status of caries management and highlight exciting new therapeutic possibilities and future research needs. The papers resulting from this conference are published in the latest issue of Advances in Dental Research, an e-Supplement to the Journal of Dental Research (JDR).
ICNARA 3, held May 1-3, 2017 in Napa, Calif., USA, is the third of a series of meetings occurring every four to five years, when the latest technologies in caries prevention require in-depth examination. These conferences bring together scientists from around the world who summarize the current status of caries management and discuss exciting new therapeutic possibilities and future research needs. While the historic approach to the prevention and management of the disease has reduced prevalence, it has not eliminated disparities or the progression of the disease over one's lifetime.
"The new frontier in reducing caries may not be dependent only in development of cost-effective products or devices to target the biofilm and the tooth, but may include a series of interprofessional approaches, including efforts to reduce sugar consumption, dependent for ultimate success on effective behavioral modification and being targeted based on the caries risk of the individual or community," said guest editor Margherita Fontana, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, USA. "We must continue to explore these innovative methodologies if we are to improve oral health for those in need."
This issue of Advances in Dental Research is accompanied by an Editorial in the JDR "Novel Anticaries and Remineralization Agents: Future Research Needs" and a companion podcast featuring guest editor Margherita Fontana and co-moderated by IADR President Angus William G. Walls and JDR Editor-in-Chief, William Giannobile.
For media requests, please contact IADR Marketing & Communications Manager Elise Bender at ebender@iadr.org.
