MODERN APPROACHES TO THE EARLY DIAGNOSIS, PREVENTION, AND MINIMALLY INVASIVE TREATMENT OF DENTAL CARIES IN ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS: CLINICAL EFFECTIVENESS, RISK FACTORS, AND LONG-TERM ORAL HEALTH OUTCOMES

Dental caries remains the most widespread noncommunicable disease in the world, and adolescence and young adulthood are periods of particular vulnerability because newly erupted permanent teeth, dietary independence, orthodontic treatment and changing hygiene habits coincide. This article reviews current evidence on the early detection of carious lesions, on preventive measures with proven effectiveness, and on minimally invasive methods of managing lesions in this age group. The review draws on global burden estimates, Cochrane systematic reviews on fluoride toothpaste and fissure sealants, international consensus recommendations on terminology and carious tissue removal, and meta-analytic evidence on resin infiltration. The analysis shows that most lesions in young people can be detected at a non-cavitated stage, that fluoride toothpaste and sealants have the strongest preventive evidence, and that selective removal of carious tissue and micro-invasive techniques preserve tooth structure without compromising outcomes. On this basis, the article proposes a risk-based clinical algorithm that links diagnosis, prevention and treatment and is intended to reduce the cycle of repeated restorations that determines long-term tooth survival.