Why do I get decay?
Everyone is at risk of getting dental decay. It is caused by the action of bacteria on the surface of your teeth. The amount of decay that you experience depends on several factors. By understanding these factors then we can start to prevent decay from occurring. Preventing the decay is much more time and cost effective than repairing the decay. Decay may not be obvious when looking in your mouth. It often starts in-between teeth and the enamel surface may stay intact with the decay progressing under the enamel. This is why x-rays are very important in diagnosing decay. Decay does not always cause pain
The main factors are:
1. Fluoride exposure
2. Diet
3. Medical history
4. Oral home care
5. Preventative Dental Procedures
1. Fluoride exposure
Fluoride is much maligned but it is responsible for substantially reducing the amount of decay in the western world especially in children. It is a naturally occurring element in some water sources. However it is found in very small amounts naturally in Australia. It works by hardening the outer layer of the tooth (enamel) and also by slowing down the activity of bacteria. It is most effective when it is incorporated into the developing teeth and this means that being exposed to fluoride is important before a baby is born and in the first years of life, while the teeth are developing. After this time the enamel has formed and the fluoride cannot be incorporated into the whole thickness of enamel, just the outer surface, & in areas of early decay. We recommend the drinking of water that contains fluoride and the use of fluoride containing toothpaste. If you are getting new areas of decay your dentist may recommend the use of other products to prevent further decay. These include GC mousse plus, Neutrafluor 5000, Neutrafluor 900 and Neutrafluor 220. Please review these products and discuss them with us at caroline@mdtdental.com.au to see what would be most relevant for you.
2. Diet
Fluoride alone will not cure decay and recent increases in the amount of decay present is related to our general reliance on processed and fast foods that are high in sugar. Another factor is development of particular patterns of modern lifestyles, for instance constant snacking throughout the day on any food/drink containing added or natural sugars. We recommend drinking water in between meals and avoiding regular drinking of soft drinks cordials, and sports drinks. If you are a coffee or tea drinker and you are having more than one cup per day then it should be without sugar. Snacking is discouraged but maybe impossible to avoid with growing children so try and keep the snacks healthy for example cheese and other non sugar containing substances, & confine the sugar containing foods to special occasions.
The amount you need to change your diet does depend on your dental risk assessment and this should be carried out by your dentist in your initial check-up appointment.
3.Medical History
Various medical conditions make some people more susceptible to decay. Any condition that leads to a dry mouth, an increase in sugar consumption, behavioural changes, stress and some medications can lead to increase in bacteria activity or decrease in the persons ability to reverse the challenges. Again this needs to be assessed by your dental practitioner and sometimes in consultation with your medical practitioner. Your saliva quality and flow is very important in prevention of decay.
4.Oral home care
Even with the best dental treatment unless you are able to care for your teeth at home the prevention of decay will not be successful. Please review our toothbrush techniques and cleaning in between your teeth as a basic guide to prevention of decay and listen to the advice of your dentist or hygienist. Make sure they are good communicators because if your co-operation and effort is not achieved then control of decay is likely to be unsuccessful. It is you first and foremost that will control the decay not the dentist.
5.Preventative Dental Procedures
In susceptible patients there are treatments that can be carried out by a dentist that will reduce the liklihood of decay in certain areas.
This includes general and specific fluoride applications, fissure sealants, and use of fluoride releasing restorations. It is however your dental education and understanding that will give the greatest long term results for prevention of decay. |
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