Assessing Your Tooth Decay Risk
In the past dentists tended to treat tooth decay by drilling and filling, but nowadays many are taking a different approach and are looking to change the conditions that caused the decay in the first place. This approach could be much more effective in the longer term as it could help to reduce the risk of decay.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is caused by the mouth becoming more acidic due to the presence of plaque bacteria. These bacteria feed off leftover particles of food and produce acid as a by-product. This acid attacks the outer layer of the tooth called the enamel. This is an extremely hard structure that contains the minerals calcium and phosphate. These minerals are leached out of the surface by the acid which has the effect of weakening the crystalline structure of the tooth enamel and increasing the risk of tooth decay in a process called demineralization. Another important element in this equation is saliva, as this fluid is essential in helping to keep the pH neutral in the mouth. Saliva also helps to redeposit some of the lost calcium and phosphate back into the enamel surface in a process called re-mineralization
Some People Are More Susceptible Towards Decay
Some people are naturally more susceptible towards developing tooth decay. This may be due to the fact that they have a weaker enamel layer than other people, or their teeth may already have areas where the enamel has been eaten away by the acid. These areas of exposed tooth will demineralize much more quickly than areas covered in tooth enamel, and will be more susceptible, even when only a small amount of acid is present and the pH is close to neutral. The risk of tooth decay can also be increased due to diet, as someone who eats a diet that is high in sugary foods or acidic foods will be more at risk of developing cavities.
Some people may be on various medications that increase the risk of tooth decay, particularly if these medications reduce the flow of saliva causing a condition called dry mouth. Saliva is essential for keeping the mouth healthy and free from disease, but dentists are able to prescribe saliva substitutes and can recommend methods of increasing the flow of saliva.
Poor oral hygiene will always increase the risk of tooth decay, and it’s essential to practice good daily oral hygiene, and to visit the dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups. People who wear dental appliances such as orthodontic appliances or night guards are at increased risk of tooth decay as these can restrict the flow of saliva allowing plaque bacteria to build up.
The overall shape of teeth can also contribute to the risk of developing tooth decay, as someone with deep pits and fissures in the teeth will be more at risk of developing decay in these areas. This is simply because these areas can be very difficult to keep clean and are more likely to harbor bacteria.
Early Diagnosis of Decay
Modern dentistry now has new ways of detecting the very early signs of decay. Some cavities may be visible to the naked eye, while others may be detected through laser technology. Dental x-rays are also extremely useful in helping to diagnose small lesions that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. Dentists also check for small white spot lesions that can be the very first sign that a cavity is developing. These very early signs may be reversible through use of fluoride. Anyone who has had cavities within the last three years is at increased risk of developing tooth decay in the future.
If your dentist thinks you are at risk of decay they may recommend you take additional preventative measures such as using an antibacterial mouth rinse or fluoride mouth rinse, or through booking more regular check-ups and cleanings. It can also help to modify your diet to reduce the risk of tooth decay.
For more information, call Dr. Clint Euse, Dr. Kelly Euse, Dr. Randy Wright, and Dr. Matt Lisenby at Advanced Dentistry by Design in Carson City, NV today!
Source:
http://www.findmydentist.com/articles/tooth-decay.html