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Prevention of Tooth Decay, (June, 2005)

Tooth decay is an irreversible disease that usually can be successfully prevented or controlled. It is an important task for the dental team to teach individuals to take correct actions to minimise the risk for the disease. Due to the fact that tooth decay is a multifactorial disease, a number of methods exist to prevent it. By targeted actions, such risk factors can usually be changed, resulting in a reduced risk for decay.

Methods to prevent Dental diseases:

  • Oral hygiene measures
  • Fluorides
  • Diet
  • Sealants

Oral hygiene measures: Complete scaling and polishing prevents the accumulation of plaque on the tooth surface and thereby minimizes the risk of tooth decay. However patient’s role is vital in this method of prevention as maintenance after scaling and polishing is very important. (E.g. Correct brushing technique, regular flossing, etc.). Our patients, who loyally follow their maintenance schedule, find tremendous success.

Fluorides: Fluoride helps harden the tooth enamel and make it more resistant to tooth decay. A small cavity can be stopped and even reversed by the remineralization process enhanced by fluoride. Fluoride can be delivered to the teeth in 2 ways; topically (direct contact on the teeth) and systemically. (Enters the blood stream)

Systemic Fluoride: Systemic fluoride is delivered to the tooth surface via the bloodstream. Systemic fluoride can be derived from a food source, water source, or dietary supplements (pill, tablet, lozenge and drop).

Topical Fluoride: Topical fluorides are applied directly to the tooth structure to delay or slow down the tooth decay process. (Professional fluoride application, Fluoridated tooth paste, etc.)

Dietary Measures:
Few Tips to reduce caries:

  • Number of meals and snacks should be kept on a low level.
  • Low sugar consumption is desirable
  • Sugars should be eliminated as fast as possible from the oral cavity. v
  • Foods needing active chewing lead to an increased salivation, which is desirable
  • Use of sugar substitutes results in a lower acid formation

Sealants: Almost all permanent molars have deep grooves which are highly susceptible to decay. To prevent this decay, sealants are placed in these fissures, preventing bacteria from causing decay. Coupled with fluoride, sealants can assure 100 percent prevention of decay. Best Wishes and happy biting with your own strong & healthy teeth,

Dr. Srividhya, BDS,

General & Cosmetic Dental Surgeon,Dr. U Mohan Rau Memorial Hospital.
Visit: www.mohanraohospital.com




 

  

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