Caries Vaccine: A Preventive Dentistry Perspective

Dental caries continues to be a major global oral health problem, posing significant challenges despite advances in fluoride therapy, sealants, and oral health education. The concept of a caries vaccine introduces a novel preventive approach by harnessing the body’s immune response to control cariogenic microorganisms.

Caries Vaccine: A Preventive Dentistry Perspective is a comprehensive, student-oriented text that explores the scientific basis, development, and future potential of vaccines against dental caries. This book is designed to meet the learning needs of BDS and MDS students, particularly those studying Preventive and Community Dentistry.

The book begins with a concise overview of dental caries etiology and pathogenesis, followed by a clear explanation of oral immunology relevant to caries development. It systematically discusses the role of Streptococcus mutans and other cariogenic bacteria, immune mechanisms in the oral cavity, and the rationale behind vaccine-based prevention. Complex concepts are simplified using easy-to-understand language, supported by flowcharts, tables, and schematic illustrations to aid comprehension and exam preparation.
Detailed chapters cover active and passive immunization strategies, antigen targets, routes of vaccine administration, experimental studies, clinical trials, limitations, ethical concerns, and challenges in vaccine development. The text also highlights recent advances and future directions, helping postgraduate students stay updated with current research trends while providing undergraduates with a strong conceptual foundation.