Dental caries has two separate main, but interlocking sets of causative factors.
One set of factors relate to the infectious nature of the disease and the relationship between oral bacteria, the plaque, biofilm and the tooth. The second set of factors relate to the behavioral aspects of the disease, resulting from poor oral habits, life style and the social environment.
As a life style related disease, caries preventive benefits can be obtained by improving diet and becoming more health conscious. However, should this issue be tackled alone, it is very difficult to prevent dental caries. Nevertheless it is essential to assist patients to be more aware of the important role of teeth and the relationship between oral health and general health.
In combination with other preventive measures, patients can then become more conscious of the need for good dental health, which in itself, is a good first step to preventing dental caries.