This WHO oral health briefing note series focuses on prevention and treatment of dental caries (tooth decay) with mercury-free products and minimal interventions. Dental caries is a major public health problem globally as the disease affects all age groups, with an onset in early childhood and continued increase over the life course. This first section explains why mercury-free materials and products and minimally invasive interventions are important. The following sections describe six essential strategies using mercury-free products and minimally invasive intervention approaches to prevent and treat dental caries: fluoride toothpaste, fluoride varnish, glass ionomer cement sealants, glass ionomer cement restorations, silver diamine fluoride and composite resin restorations.
