The article "Caries Etiology and Preventive Measures" by Frederic Meyer, Erik Schulze zur Wiesche, Bennett T. Amaechi, Hardy Limeback, and Joachim Enax provides a comprehensive overview of the etiology of dental caries and modern preventive strategies. Dental caries is defined as the chemical dissolution of tooth surfaces caused by metabolic events in dental plaque, which is a biofilm composed of living and dead microorganisms, extracellular polysaccharide matrix, saliva-derived components, and food debris. The pH in plaque can drop to 4.3 to 4.8, leading to the dissolution of tooth structure, especially in areas with a critical pH of 5.5 for enamel. The presence of dental plaque, when it shifts to a cariogenic composition, is the primary cause of dental caries when there is a source of fermentable carbohydrates. The article highlights that while saliva constantly remineralizes tooth surfaces, its process is slow and insufficient to counteract the caries process alone. Factors such as poor oral hygiene, high sugar intake, and reduced salivary flow increase the risk of caries. Specific patient groups, including children, adolescents, patients undergoing orthodontic therapy, patients with hypomineralized teeth, and the elderly, are particularly at risk. Preventive measures for dental caries include reducing sugar intake, improving plaque removal, and maintaining a healthy oral environment. Modern toothpastes contain various active ingredients, such as abrasives, surfactants, and antimicrobial agents, to enhance plaque removal and control. Biomimetic hydroxyapatite, a non-fluoride alternative, has been shown to be effective in remineralization and caries prevention. The article emphasizes the importance of combining remineralization strategies with plaque control to effectively prevent dental caries.The article "Caries Etiology and Preventive Measures" by Frederic Meyer, Erik Schulze zur Wiesche, Bennett T. Amaechi, Hardy Limeback, and Joachim Enax provides a comprehensive overview of the etiology of dental caries and modern preventive strategies. Dental caries is defined as the chemical dissolution of tooth surfaces caused by metabolic events in dental plaque, which is a biofilm composed of living and dead microorganisms, extracellular polysaccharide matrix, saliva-derived components, and food debris. The pH in plaque can drop to 4.3 to 4.8, leading to the dissolution of tooth structure, especially in areas with a critical pH of 5.5 for enamel. The presence of dental plaque, when it shifts to a cariogenic composition, is the primary cause of dental caries when there is a source of fermentable carbohydrates. The article highlights that while saliva constantly remineralizes tooth surfaces, its process is slow and insufficient to counteract the caries process alone. Factors such as poor oral hygiene, high sugar intake, and reduced salivary flow increase the risk of caries. Specific patient groups, including children, adolescents, patients undergoing orthodontic therapy, patients with hypomineralized teeth, and the elderly, are particularly at risk. Preventive measures for dental caries include reducing sugar intake, improving plaque removal, and maintaining a healthy oral environment. Modern toothpastes contain various active ingredients, such as abrasives, surfactants, and antimicrobial agents, to enhance plaque removal and control. Biomimetic hydroxyapatite, a non-fluoride alternative, has been shown to be effective in remineralization and caries prevention. The article emphasizes the importance of combining remineralization strategies with plaque control to effectively prevent dental caries.