Preventive Measures
The first step to having healthy teeth is to prevent problems from arising in the first place. Tooth decay occurs when your teeth are frequently exposed to food containing carbohydrates (starches and sugars) like soft drinks, candy, ice cream, milk, cakes, and even fruits, vegetables and juices. Natural bacteria live in your mouth and form plaque. The plaque interacts with deposits left on your teeth from sugary and starchy foods to produce acids. These acids damage tooth enamel over time by dissolving, or demineralizing, the mineral structure of teeth, producing tooth decay and weakening the teeth. The acids formed by plaque can be counteracted by simple saliva in your mouth, which acts as a buffer and a remineralizing agent. The best way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease is to brush and floss regularly. Cut down on sweets and between-meal snacks. Remember, it's these sugary and starchy treats that put your teeth at extra risk. Brush after every meal and floss daily. Cavities most often begin in hard-to-clean areas between teeth and in the fissures and pits. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and brush on the inside and outside of your teeth and gums and on the top of your tongue. Be sure the bristles are soft, not bent, and replace the toothbrush after a few weeks to safeguard against reinfecting your mouth with old bacteria that can collect on the brush. Children under six should only use a small pea-sized dab of toothpaste on the brush and should spit out as much as possible because a child's developing teeth are sensitive to higher fluoride levels. See your dentist at least every three to six months for checkups and professional cleanings.
The CariFree™ system, which prevents the caries infection from becoming established, substantially lowers the risk of future decay. All CariFree™ products combine the proven benefits of Fluoride and Xylitol, along with a special neutralizing pH+ technology. Dr. Foley's office uses CariFree™ Fluoride Varnish, and patients can obtain a variety of other CariFree™ products to help maintain a strong defense against the caries bacteria. Products include pHluorigel, a non-abrasive toothpaste replacement; a treatment and maintenance rinse with Xylitol and CariFree's pH+ technology, as well as CariFree™ mouth spray and even sugar-free Xylitol Gum. To learn more about the benefits of using CariFree™ products, visit the CariFree™ website. Because cavities can be difficult to detect, a thorough dental examination is very important. If you get a painful toothache, if your teeth are very sensitive to hot or cold foods, or if you notice signs of decay like white spots, tooth discolorations or cavities, make an appointment right away. The longer you wait to treat infected teeth the more intensive and lengthy the treatment will be. Left neglected, a cavity can lead to root canal infection, permanent deterioration of decayed tooth substance and even loss of the tooth itself. Because caries and gum disease are transmittable, toothbrushes should never be shared, especially with your children. [Portions republished from the Journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)]. To learn more about the benefits of a good preventive dentistry plan for your family, feel free to Ask Dr. Foley, with no cost or obligation. If you prefer, you're welcome to schedule a consultation or appointment with Dr. Foley's office. |
Cavities are actually caused by a preventable bacterial infection, known in the dental profession as caries. This infection is not only treatable, but preventable. Now, Dr. Foley's office is using CariFree™ products to help patients treat and prevent the caries infection.
