Preventive Care
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Taking care to avoid or minimize the risk of serious abnormalities and diseases.
Example:
Prophylaxis (teeth cleaning)
Space maintainers
Fluoride treatments
How Cavities Happen: Understanding Tooth Decay
Years ago, it was predicted that ‘cavities’ would someday be a thing of the past. However today, many adults and children still suffer from the infection we commonly call ‘tooth decay.’ While great advances have occurred in reducing decay rates over the past sixty years, it is still the most prevalent childhood disease in Oregon, five times more common than asthma.
Older adults (65+) also suffer from high rates of tooth decay, often due to exposed tooth root surfaces that are more susceptible to decay. Adults are more likely to have a dry mouth caused by medications or other health conditions, which increases their risk of cavities. In both children and adults, tooth decay can cause pain, time lost from school and work and tooth loss that can be disfiguring and impair eating.
We have new knowledge today about the process of tooth decay. Some people have a very difficult time avoiding cavities, however we have better information and tools than ever before to help people. There are several factors that can put people at risk for cavities and other factors that can help people avoid them. Our goal is to put as many factors as possible in our patients’ favor to lower their risk.
We usually think of a ‘cavity’ as a hole in a tooth. The hole is caused by decay-causing bacteria that can live in our mouth – an infection! Some germs in our mouth are friendly and cause us no harm, however the ones that cause cavities can be difficult to eliminate once they have established residence. While good brushing and flossing are important, often times the decay-causing bacteria cannot simply be brushed and flossed away. These microbes can be transmitted between people via saliva, such as with kissing or sharing utensils, just like a cold or flu can be passed from person to person. For this reason, it is especially important for expectant or new parents to make sure their own dental health is optimal so they can avoid passing the infection on to their children.
Some factors that make a person more likely to get cavities include a dry mouth (due to medications or medical conditions) and deep pits and grooves in the anatomy of teeth. Frequent intake of carbohydrates, including sports or energy drinks, fruit juice, dried fruit and other ‘sticky’ foods also increase a person’s risk. Family members or caregivers with tooth decay increase risk, especially for children.
Factors that can lower a person’s risk of tooth decay include good oral hygiene, reduced frequency of sugar intake, dental sealants, increasing saliva flow and the use of xylitol (a naturally occuring sugar) and fluoride.
State of the art dental care involves performing a risk assessment for each patient annually. Testing of saliva can be easily and routinely done to help determine someone’s risk for getting cavities. Ask your dental care professionals what your risk level is and how you can reduce it.
Years ago, it was predicted that ‘cavities’ would someday be a thing of the past. However today, many adults and children still suffer from the infection we commonly call ‘tooth decay.’ While great advances have occurred in reducing decay rates over the past sixty years, it is still one of the most prevalent childhood disease.
Older adults (65+) also suffer from high rates of tooth decay, often due to exposed tooth root surfaces that are more susceptible to decay. Adults are more likely to have a dry mouth caused by medications or other health conditions, which increases their risk of cavities. In both children and adults, tooth decay can cause pain, time lost from school and work and tooth loss that can be disfiguring and impair eating.
Factors that can lower a person’s risk of tooth decay include good oral hygiene, reduced frequency of sugar intake, dental sealants, increasing saliva flow and the use of xylitol (a naturally occuring sugar) and fluoride.
State of the art dental care involves performing a risk assessment for each patient annually. Testing of saliva can be easily and routinely done to help determine someone’s risk for getting cavities. Ask your dental care professionals what your risk level is and how you can reduce it.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is naturally present in teeth and strengthens teeth while also preventing teeth decay. Fluoride exists in water, eggs, fish, meat and tea. Dentists recommend using toothpaste with fluoride and use fluoride in a several dental treatments. Fluoride is very safe and poses no danger when used in the dosages your dentist uses.
Prior to fluoride treatment it is very important to have clean teeth. Your dentist will polish away stains prior to treatment. Brushing with fluoride-containing toothpaste twice a day and flossing goes a long way to preventing tooth decay. It is recommended that you brush prior to going to bed so the fluoride can remain on your teeth during the night.
Fluoride Treatment Process
In fluoride treatments, children and adults are given relatively high concentrations of fluoride. Your dentist will dry the teeth then apply fluoride as a gel, foam or varnish. Your dentist will paint the fluoride on the teeth or apply using a mouth guard-like tray. Following treatment a patient is not allowed to eat or drink for thirty minutes.
Teeth Cleaning
No matter how often you brush and floss, plaque and tartar deposits can still build up on your teeth. A professional teeth cleaning is the single most effective way to remove these deposits and prevent them from causing more serious problems in the future. While a traditional teeth cleaning involves manually scraping away these deposits with special dental tools, advances in dental technologies now give you more options for teeth cleanings.
An ultrasonic cleaning, is a popular alternative to traditional teeth cleanings. An ultrasonic scaler (rather than a manual probe) is used to remove deposits, kill harmful microbes and eliminate bacteria around the teeth and gums through high-frequency sound waves. Many patients find laser teeth cleanings more comfortable than traditional teeth cleanings because they are quicker, quieter and pain-free.
A deep cleaning may be recommended if excessive plaque and tartar deposits have developed below the gum line. Deep cleanings, also known as scaling and root planing, involve a two-part process: first, the stubborn deposits are removed, and then the root surfaces are smoothened. A deep cleaning helps prevent periodontal disease and restores gum tissues to a healthy state.