by Bay Dental | Nov 22, 2016 | Tooth Health
Decay (cavities) is probably the most common reason people think they visit the dentist. Decay (medical term: caries) starts with acid levels in the mouth dissolving tooth enamel. This dissolving of enamel happens more frequently in areas where plaque (bacteria) resides. These areas are most commonly: Pits and fissures (chewing surfaces of back teeth) in between the teeth where the teeth contact each other Around rough areas such as pre-existing dental work Along the gum line of the teeth To prevent decay we must: Reduce the acid (plaque) Reduce retentive areas where plaque collects Make the tooth stronger and more resistant to dissolving acid Caries (cavities) can be minimized throughout a person’s life by strengthening the tooth structure. This means: Fluoride systemically throughout childhood, either by drinking fluoridated water or fluoride supplements (ages as early as 6 months). Using topical fluoride; either varnish or rinse and toothpaste (varnish is better for high decay rates) Re-mineralizing products to reverse caries (for seniors and high decay rate) Practicing good oral hygiene to remove plaque; brushing, flossing, waterpik (throughout lifetime) Professional visits with a dental hygienist and dentist (starting 6 months after 1st tooth and throughout lifetime) Sealing small pits and fissures on back teeth so the caries don’t get started in those areas (age 6+) Restore caries when they are small Lastly, restore teeth using durable methods, so that the restored tooth can last a lifetime Practising some or all of these will reduce the chances of one of the reasons teeth get extracted: decay (caries). What If I Already Have a Cavity? “A cavity” once caries has cavitated (broken through...
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