Abstract:

The ageing of Chinese population combined with development of geriatric dentistry results in increased retention of natural teeth and higher risk of dental caries in older patients. This means new challenge for clinicians. Minimal intervention dentistry（MID） is a new approach to caries management in older patients, which emphasize on early discussion, early diagnosis and early treatment. It focuses on stopping the disease process and patient-friendly surgical intervention only when required. This article describes the application of MID in geriatric caries management: Assessment of the risk of caries; early detection（before cavity appears）; external and internal remineralization.

Key words: minimal intervention dentistry, prevention and control of caries, dental caries microbiology, remineralization