Not having a cavity and experiencing a dental filling is a marvelous achievement, however you may still be at risk of having tooth decay without knowing it.
Even if you have a good oral hygiene habits, other risk factors could be promoting a bacterial shift that leads to tooth decay.
Once the visual symptoms present its too late!
How can I remain cavity free?
Our lifestyles can change multiple times throughout our lives and subsequently our risk factors also change. A change in diet, physical exercise (hydration/dehydration) and the taking of medications are just a few factors to consider.
Being free of cavities in the past doesn't mean you will remain free of cavities in the future, so its important that your risk factors and bacterial screening are assessed regularly to ensure you remain low risk.
Should risk factors be identified preventative treatment to correct the caries bacterial infection is available. Bacterial screening after treatment is an effective way to confirm your treatment outcome and potential need for additional corrective treatment.
Maintain a good oral hygiene program that includes the use of alkaline pH dental products.
Cavities
Cavities are the demineralized areas, or the holes, that form in teeth and are the result of a bacterial infection known as caries. This infection takes place when the normal healthy bacteria are replaced by acid-producing bacteria. This shift in bacteria is primarily caused by two things:
Prolonged acidic (low pH) oral environment: contributing factors include a lack of saliva, and or a sugary acidic diet that encourages acid-producing bacteria.
Transmission: this infection is contagious! You can be infected by someone through exchange of saliva.
Drilling and filling has been the traditional method of treating cavities, but it doesn't treat the underlying cause, the bacterial infection. Brushing and flossing has been the traditional method of prevention, but it does not change the pH (acidity) of the oral environment or treat the infection once it exists.
Expert Advice
Visit a dentist who provides "caries risk assessment and bacterial screening", where they evaluate risk factors that can contribute to you getting cavities and offers treatment beyond "drilling and filling".
Limit your intake of sugar/carbohydrates within your diet, but also consider non-sugar containing acidic beverages such as diet and sports drinks, juices, coffee, tea, sparkling water, alcohol, etc.
Consider the acidity, the pH, of the dental products you are using.
Do they neutralize your mouth or drive your pH down?
Not all products are the same!
Don't just brush and floss......neutralize your childs mouth!
Understand that fluoride can be important, but is used to primarily remineralize the enamel and make it stronger. Fluoride can help treat the symptoms, but fluoride's effectiveness at stopping the bacterial infection has limits.
Xylitol is a very effective agent for limiting the acids produced by bacteria and is available in a variety of chewing gums, mints, oral rinses and toothpastes. Xylitol has been shown to make fluoride more effective.
