Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Risk of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay has many factors to consider when determining the risk of disease.  The strongest indicator of future decay is recent or existing tooth decay, and to a lesser extent, a history of past decay as evidenced by filled or missing teeth.  A diagnosis of active decay lesions indicates an active infectious process and a patient at risk for spreading tooth decay.

Other risk factors include: the presence of decay producing  Streptococci and Lactobacilli bacteria; a diet high is sugar; dry mouth from drugs such as anti-depressants or systemic disease such as diabetes; inadequate brushing and flossing to remove plaque; limited fluoride exposure in drinking water or toothpaste; and gingival recession exposing vulnerable root surfaces.  Any one or a combination of these factors can dramatically increase a patient's risk for tooth decay.

The management of tooth decay in adults is best managed by a program of prevention based on the assessment of risk for tooth decay.  Such an approach recognizes that tooth decay is a bacterial infection and that individuals vary in their susceptibility to disease.  Accordingly, prevention strategies are targeted to those individuals with specific risk indicators and regimens that address the underlying causes of disease.  Here at Adult Dentistry of Rochester, Dr. Dulski custom fits each patient's preventive program to meet their specific risk areas and needs.

The goal of risk-based management of tooth decay requires, a decrease in levels of bacteria, hardening or shielding of susceptible tooth surfaces, and the limit of sugars in the diet.  An effective caries risk intervention program incorporates the use of various prescription strength fluoride formulations; non-decay producing sweeteners such as Xylitol which disrupts acid production of bacteria; sealants; anti-bacterial rinses such as Clorhexidine; and, a clinical and radiographic examination and professional cleaning schedule customized to the patient's level of tooth decay risk.  To schedule an appointment for a complimentary customized tooth decay risk assessment and treatment plan, visit http://www.dulski.com/.

Tags: Tooth Decay

8 comments:

  1. Flossing is absolutely essential when striving to prevent cavities. Cavities are caused by acid produced by the bacteria found in plaque that is attached to tooth enamel. You can prevent plaque from having the opportunity to damage your teeth with acid by removing it from the surface of your teeth. Unfortunately, regular brushing really only cleans plaque off about 65 percent the surface of a tooth. You have to floss in order to clean the entire tooth's surface.

    Read more: How to Floss to Prevent Cavities | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2209209_floss-prevent-cavities.html#ixzz1BaXQ5pwD

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  2. It is also important to start going to the dentist when you are young. The way your adult teeth will be have a lot to do with how your baby teeth was taken care of. This way you will get in the habit of having your teeth clean on a regular basic.

    You need to make sure that your diet is well balance and you don't have a lot of sugar foods. Another thing you will like to do is rinse your mouth with water out after you eat if you can not brush.

    Tooth decay is different in every body.Most cavities starts between the teeth. So it is very important to floss daily.

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  3. We stress the importance of brushing, flossing & adhering to consistent visits to the dentist which are based on what your needs are. Preventive Dentistry is ALWAYS the way to go if you want to "SAVE MONEY".

    Once you have decay on a tooth, a single surface filling is cheaper than a two surface filling. A two surface filling is less than a 3 surface filling, and a crown is less than a root canal & crown. If you have it extracted, regardless of bridges, or implants.., the costs increase. So, its always "less" to do the small repairs as opposed to postponing the inevitable.

    WHATS REALLY IMPORTANT TO REALIZE IS THIS - once restorative dentistry is done, the tooth is never, ever as strong as it was in its natural state because man-made materials were used. And just like a house, a road, or a bridge..., the restoratives will be worn down, wear out and eventually fail depending on how well you adhere to your preventive care schedule prescribed by your dentist AND the force of your use of the restorative work in your daily life & use.

    So..., Brush, Floss, & Stick to the Personalized Preventive Care & Visits Prescribed by your Dentist. Ideally, you'll never have decay your entire life. If you do, get your mouth taken care of while still "small stuff" to extend the use of the tooth/teeth.

    As my favorite grandmother always said, "As long as you have Good Health, you've got it made".

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  4. Brushing and flossing and rinsing twice a day is the recommended routine everyone should do. Once you have the technique down it should only take you four to five minutes each time. If you are in a hurry brush in the shower. But find the time "a ounce of prevention is a pound of cure".
    Also many people are unaware that several of the sports drinks, energy drinks are high in sugar check the labels. Also many parent give their children fruit juice this is also high in sugar and should be limited try milk or water. My niece use to leave a bottle of water in a spill proof bottle in the area her children played in the house so they could grab it anytime and they did!
    Tooth decay is one of the most preventable disease. So please brush, floss and rinse twice a day!

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  5. Cavities Are More Likely Between Teeth

    Fact. “Anywhere bacteria can hide and you can't or aren't able to reach with a toothbrush or floss is a likely place for decay,” Harms says. The deep grooves on the back of your front teeth are a good place for tooth decay, for example. “And yes it can happen between teeth because the toothbrush won’t get in there and a lot of people have trouble flossing.”

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  6. Tooth decay is preventable! Brush, floss and eat healthy! Take care of yourself, for better overall health.

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  7. I believe that with proper moderation, tooth decay can be avoided. I have a sweet tooth myself, and I had a severe tooth decay back when I was small. I was somehow surprised that it was manageable, though. I think we can all manipulate any ailment that may come our way if we just exercise adequate discipline and give our health the attention it deserves.

    Ryder Mulford

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  8. Thanks for taking the time to share this informative post with us. I enjoyed the details you provided in this article. Have a great rest of your day.
    Dentist Philadelphia

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