Do you take medications?
Do you have a dry mouth?
Do you frequently snack?
These and other risk factors are key contributors that drive the bacterial infection, "caries", which leads to cavities.
Brushing and flossing alone does not stop this infection.
The good news is that this infection is treatable and preventable.
Understanding and managing risk factors is a practical way to remain free of cavities. Cavities form when the oral bacterial balance shifts and favours acid producing bacteria. Taking a proactive preventative approach by increasing your protective factors helps to counter balance these effects. Bacterial screening tests are a simple and non-invasive way to assess the bacteria living on your teeth.
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 and carbohydrates within your diet, but also consider non-sugar containing acidic beverages such as juices, soft drinks, coffee, tea, sparkling water, alcohol, sports and energy drinks, etc. Be aware of changes to your saliva, especially symptoms of dry mouth.
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.
