Shortcomings of Caries Vaccination

Background: Dental caries is an infectious microbiologic disease of the teeth and is one of the most common diseases in humans. It is a multifactorial disease caused by interaction between four principal factors-the host (saliva and teeth), the microflora, the substrate (diet) and the time. Targeting the microbial factor of the disease, researchers have been developing vaccination to protect the caries prone children and adults. Immunization includes active and passive immunization. Vaccines should be safe and effective. This article gives an insight into the shortcomings and challenges of caries vaccinations.