Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

You are here: Home / Uncategorized / Different people need different approaches to prevent decay.

Different people need different approaches to prevent decay.

Scientific innovations offer a wide variety of solutions for preventing cavities in teeth or decay. Prevention does not treat the cavity once established, but the risk of developing it. Because there are many factors that can lead to the development and progression of decay, we first need to identify the individual causes of it in order to prescribe an effective solution. The assessment includes examining three factors:

  1. The past incidence of cavities and prevalence of plaque.
  2. The quality and amount of saliva.
  3. The frequency of sugar intake.

Once the harmful factors leading to decay can be established a solution can be formulated. For example here are some prevalent problems and solutions:

  1. For high sugar consumption the solution is the use of sugar free or xylitol products and snacks.
  2. For high deposits of plaque – there is a need to increase the frequency of effective cleaning.
  3. For low fluoride supply – additional products can be recommended to provide more protection.
  4. For a low chewing diet – change to a fiber rich diet.
  5. For inadequate restorations that trap food – overhang removal.
  6. For low saliva – saliva stimulating food or saliva replacing products.
  7. For bacteria retentive fissures – fissure sealants.

For an individual assessment of your risk for decay please contact us or make an appointment.