Biochemistry of dental caries in preschool children

Abstract

Introduction: Dental caries is considered one of the most common chronic non-communicable diseases in childhood. This disease represents a significant global public health challenge and has been the subject of study by numerous researchers seeking to prevent and treat it. Objective: To analyze the biochemical processes involved in enamel demineralization and remineralization in preschool children, as well as the factors that promote the development of caries. Methods: A literature review of 15 publications was conducted. The following methods were used during the research process: document analysis, historical-logical analysis, systems approach, inductive-deductive, and analytical-synthetic. Results: The results suggested that the combination of microorganisms, dietary habits, properties of primary enamel, and salivary factors were crucial in the development of caries. 
Conclusions: Dental caries in preschool children is a multifactorial process in which the interaction between oral bacteria, dietary sugars, characteristics of primary enamel, and factors such as pH and salivary buffering capacity determine the development and progression of the disease. The vulnerability of primary teeth, along with poor dietary and hygiene habits, increases its prevalence.