A patient presents with caries in many teeth. What should you advise?

The most appropriate advice in this scenario emphasizes the importance of topical fluoride in preventing and managing caries, especially in a patient with active carious lesions. Fluoride has a well-documented role in remineralizing tooth enamel and reversing early carious lesions. While fluoride toothpaste can provide some level of protection, topical fluoride treatments (such as gels, varnishes, or professional applications) can deliver higher concentrations of fluoride directly to the teeth, enhancing its protective effects and promoting the remineralization process more effectively than toothpaste alone.

In the context of this patient’s condition, where there are multiple carious lesions present, relying solely on fluoride toothpaste may not be sufficient for effective prevention. Therefore, advising on the use of additional topical fluoride treatments, alongside good oral hygiene practices, is essential in addressing the active carious process in this patient.

It's essential to note that dietary changes and regular professional cleanings play supportive roles in caries prevention and management, but they are not emphasized in the context of the most effective immediate intervention for a patient already presenting with widespread caries.