Dental Caries

Dental decay is an infectious and transmissable disease that is associated with high levels of backteria.  Streptococcus mutans (SM) and secondarily, Lactobaciallus (LB) are the bacteraia that cause tooth decay or dental caries.  These bacteria utilize refined sugar and produce acid that destroys enamel and underlying dentin (the outer and inner layers of teeth).

This process usually does not elicit sensitivity until it reached deeper levels of dentin and approaches the pulp or nerve of the tooth.  At this point of infection a root canal prodecure may be necessary.

         How teeth decay.pdf

Our goal is to reduce the damaging bacterial numbers, modify the diet to reduce those foods that aid in acidic production and prevent further carious breakdown.

Types of Decay

Occlusal or biting surface decay can occur here natural pits and grooves exist.

Smooth surface decay can occur on the sides and in between teeth where the toothbrush and floss can reach.

Root surface decay can occur when gum tissue recedes and exposes a more susceptible part of the tooth.

What are the Risk Factors?

• High levels of specific bacteria
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
• Diet containing refined sugar
  • Hi frequency of intake of greatest concern, including beverages such as fruit juices and sport drinks
• Deep pits and grooves in the enamel
• Defective Enamel (outerlayer of tooth)
• Exposed Root Surfaces

Caries Prevention

Exam & Diagnosis

If you have cavities, we know you have bacteria that causes decay.  You are at risk for further breakdown. 

CariScreen Caries Susceptibility Meter:

Simple, painless test to identify if patients have excess decay-causing bacteria.  The patent pending CariScreen uses ATP bioluminescence to identify oral bacterial load and has been proven to correlate with patients’ risk for decay.

For patients that have been identified to be at hi risk for tooth decay, and choose to enroll in the Cavity Prevention Program, this CariScreen Monitor is used to measure their current risk for tooth decay.  It also allows us to measure our patients progress as they follow the recommended protocols for reducing risk.

For more information on this product, and more of the products we use in our cavity prevention program, visit www.carifree.com

6 Steps for Cavity Management

1. Remove Existing Cavities
   1. Most important step of reducing risk.  Existing cavities in your mouth will infect healthy teeth with cavity causing bacteria.     
2. Preventative Resin Restorations
   1. Seal susceptible pit and fissure areas of teeth
3. In Office Fluoride Varnish Applications
4. Carifree Therapeutic Maintenance Rinse
   1. 2x/day for 1 month
5. Adjunctive Therapy
   1. Xylitol containing gum or mints
   2. Water bottle
6. Continuous Care
   1. Carifree Maintenance Rinse
   2. Carifree Boost
   3. Carifree Toothpaste
   4. Regular Recare appointments
   5. Retesting with CariScreen Monitor