Tooth Decay is the breakdown of tooth structure which occurs in response to acids produced by bacteria.
A Patient with a High Tooth Decay Risk is defined as a patient with two or more areas of active decay, has numerous fillings.
Bacteria types:
Current belief is that many different bacteria play a role in totoh decay, however the major bacteria peresent in patients with high levels of tooth decay are Streptococcus Mutans,
Diet:
As tooth decay is casued by bacteria, and bacteria ive on sugars, diet plays a signficiant role in tooth decay.
Hygiene:
Bacteria which cause tooth decay live around teeth and gums, and the reduction of plaque and these bacteria reduces decay. Areas that are not cleaned effectively on a 6-12 hourly basis will get tooth decay. For example, patients who brush their teeth, but do not floss, may not get tooth decay on the areas that they are brushing, but they are exposed to getting decay inbetween the teeth where they are not flossing. (A common problem)
Tooth Suseptibilty:
Bacteria types establish theirselves in our mouths in the first four years of our lives. They will florish in times of tooth decay, and can be reduced in times of no tooth decay. Patients with high levels of bad bacteria which form tooth decay need to actively attempt to reduce these bad bacteria.
Preventing Decay and Reducing the Risk of future Tooth Decay:
To reduce Tooth Decay and the risk of future decay, it is recommended,
- Brushing and Flossing twice a day
- Regular visits to the dentist for checkup and cleaning
- Good Dental Diet
- High Tooth Decay Risk: CarieFree Mouthwashes aimed to reduce bad bacteria levels as recommended and Bacteria Testing
