A clinician's guide to CAMBRA: a simple approach

Abstract

Caries risk assessment identifies those factors that are pathologic and suggests ways an astute clinician can implement protective strategies that can prevent progression and/or return the patient to health. Caries management by risk assessment (CAMBRA) focuses on treating and preventing the cause of the disease at an early stage, rather than waiting until it causes damage to tooth structure. This article summarizes and simplifies information previously published about CAMBRA implementation from the perspective of today's practicing clinician. The most recent science on prevention, remineralization, antimicrobials, and pH, as well as the use of fluoride, xylitol, and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CCP-ACP) is also discussed.