Caries is a widespread disease affecting both children and adults, caused by the conversion of fermentable carbohydrates by plaque bacteria into acids on the tooth surface. It is important to focus on sugar reduction and plaque control for prevention. Modern toothpastes contain various active ingredients such as antimicrobial agents, abrasives, surfactants, and natural compounds to remove plaque and control acid production. Agents with pH-buffering and calcium-releasing properties, as well as biomimetic actives like hydroxyapatite, help reverse acid effects. Electric toothbrushes, dental floss, and interdental brushes are effective in plaque removal. Caries prevention should focus not only on tooth remineralization but also on controlling all key factors involved in caries development. Dental plaque is a biofilm of microorganisms, extracellular polysaccharides, and saliva-derived components. Acidogenic bacteria produce acids that dissolve tooth structure, leading to caries. The presence of plaque, especially with cariogenic composition, is the main cause of dental caries when there is a source of fermentable carbohydrates. Caries can be defined as the result of localized chemical dissolution of the tooth surface caused by metabolic events in dental plaque. It differs from dental erosion, which involves acid from non-plaque sources. Saliva helps remineralize tooth surfaces, but its process is slow and insufficient to prevent caries alone. Plaque removal is crucial, especially in poor oral hygiene conditions. High-risk groups include children, orthodontic patients, hypomineralized teeth patients, and those with reduced salivary flow. Elderly with exposed dentin are also at higher risk. Caries prevention strategies include dietary control, mechanical plaque removal, antimicrobial agents, pH-buffering ingredients, and biomimetic hydroxyapatite. Fluoride toothpastes are effective but have limitations, while hydroxyapatite is a safe and efficient alternative. Mechanical removal of plaque is achieved through toothbrushing and toothpaste with abrasives, surfactants, and antimicrobial agents. Electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual ones for plaque removal. Antimicrobial agents in toothpaste, such as zinc salts, stannous salts, and chlorhexidine, help reduce plaque. Hydroxyapatite has been shown to reduce initial plaque formation and act as an acid buffer. Natural compounds like xylitol and polyphenols also have antibacterial properties. pH-buffering agents like calcium carbonate and calcium phosphates help reduce cariogenic potential. Biomimetic hydroxyapatite is a safe and effective anticaries agent, capable of remineralizing deeper caries lesions. Recommendations for patients include reducing sugar intake, using electric toothbrushes, and using toothpastes with remineralizing agents. Regular dental check-ups are important for high-risk groups. Overall, modern caries prevention should focus on sugar reduction and efficient plaque removal to reduce caries risk.Caries is a widespread disease affecting both children and adults, caused by the conversion of fermentable carbohydrates by plaque bacteria into acids on the tooth surface. It is important to focus on sugar reduction and plaque control for prevention. Modern toothpastes contain various active ingredients such as antimicrobial agents, abrasives, surfactants, and natural compounds to remove plaque and control acid production. Agents with pH-buffering and calcium-releasing properties, as well as biomimetic actives like hydroxyapatite, help reverse acid effects. Electric toothbrushes, dental floss, and interdental brushes are effective in plaque removal. Caries prevention should focus not only on tooth remineralization but also on controlling all key factors involved in caries development. Dental plaque is a biofilm of microorganisms, extracellular polysaccharides, and saliva-derived components. Acidogenic bacteria produce acids that dissolve tooth structure, leading to caries. The presence of plaque, especially with cariogenic composition, is the main cause of dental caries when there is a source of fermentable carbohydrates. Caries can be defined as the result of localized chemical dissolution of the tooth surface caused by metabolic events in dental plaque. It differs from dental erosion, which involves acid from non-plaque sources. Saliva helps remineralize tooth surfaces, but its process is slow and insufficient to prevent caries alone. Plaque removal is crucial, especially in poor oral hygiene conditions. High-risk groups include children, orthodontic patients, hypomineralized teeth patients, and those with reduced salivary flow. Elderly with exposed dentin are also at higher risk. Caries prevention strategies include dietary control, mechanical plaque removal, antimicrobial agents, pH-buffering ingredients, and biomimetic hydroxyapatite. Fluoride toothpastes are effective but have limitations, while hydroxyapatite is a safe and efficient alternative. Mechanical removal of plaque is achieved through toothbrushing and toothpaste with abrasives, surfactants, and antimicrobial agents. Electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual ones for plaque removal. Antimicrobial agents in toothpaste, such as zinc salts, stannous salts, and chlorhexidine, help reduce plaque. Hydroxyapatite has been shown to reduce initial plaque formation and act as an acid buffer. Natural compounds like xylitol and polyphenols also have antibacterial properties. pH-buffering agents like calcium carbonate and calcium phosphates help reduce cariogenic potential. Biomimetic hydroxyapatite is a safe and effective anticaries agent, capable of remineralizing deeper caries lesions. Recommendations for patients include reducing sugar intake, using electric toothbrushes, and using toothpastes with remineralizing agents. Regular dental check-ups are important for high-risk groups. Overall, modern caries prevention should focus on sugar reduction and efficient plaque removal to reduce caries risk.