Dental Decay
Dental caries (decay) is a bacterial infection, first of the enamel, then of the dentin of the tooth. The tradition in dentistry has been to surgically remove the diseased portion of the tooth by “drilling” out the decay and then filling the resulting hole in the tooth with some inert material. As most adults know, this procedure will be performed over and over again when new decay begins or when the filling (often silver) breaks or the tooth fractures.
Would it not be better to eliminate the cause of the infection and thus not be forced to have big holes drilled in the teeth? We believe the bacterial cause of the infection should be addressed.
Preventing the Risk of Dental Decay
There are several positive steps that you can take to reduce your risk of dental decay. First, all the active decay in your mouth should be treated immediately. Next, all teeth that would benefit from sealants should be treated. This will prevent bacteria from reaching into the pits, fissures, and grooves that normally exist on the occlusal (biting) surfaces of teeth. Any stray bacteria that may still be in the sealed area are effectively cut off from their source of food and become inactive. Although sealants are most effective on teeth that have not been previously restored, they can be successfully placed on teeth filled with bonded fillings.
The infection can be treated with antimicrobials. We believe that the use of a fluoridated mouth-rinse twice daily or use of a prescription fluoridated dentrifice as directed provides a great advantage. Not only is fluoride effective against bacteria but it also creates an environment that promotes remineralization of slightly damaged enamel. The decay process is reversed and the tooth may not have to be drilled. Your dentist may also prescribe a chlorhexidine mouth-rinse, an antimicrobial oral rinse that has a great effect on Streptococcus mutans.
Your diet and oral self-care are important in dental decay prevention. When you eat junk food and drink sugary liquids, your teeth are more prone to decay. The more frequently you snack, the more prone your teeth will be to decay. If your brushing and flossing are not effective, your teeth will be more prone to decay. When you can’t brush after a meal, at least rinse your mouth with water within 15 minutes to dilute the acids forming from the ingested food or drink. If you have a diminished salivary flow, take frequent sips of water during the day to help dilute the acids produced by the bacteria.
If you have a continuing problem with active decay, more frequent preventative re-care appointments are recommended. It has been repeatedly shown that patients who have good oral self-care and maintain a re-care interval of 3 to 4 months have many fewer dentally related (cavities or gum disease) problems.
At Star of Texas Dental Assisting School, we provide our students with hands-on training so that they are able to gain experience in every area of dentistry. If you are looking for a dental assisting program in Austin, Texas choose Star of Texas!
