New Tools in the Fight Against Cavities

Did you know that tooth decay is caused mainly by a bacterial infection on the teeth?   All teeth are covered in a thin film called biofilm.   Within this biofilm are various microscopic bacteria.   When this biofilm experiences a shift in the amount of acidogenic/aciduric bacteria (caries), the risk of cavities is greatly increased.

Even if a patient brushes, flosses and has regular dental visits, the harmful levels of this bacteria can remain on the teeth and cause decay.   This infection can even be passed on to others.   Our office has been fighting this infection for years with Prevident and Peridex.   Now we can predict which patients face an elevated risk for caries.   A simple swab test has been developed to test the level of acidogenic bacteria on a patients teeth.   Both the test and treatment for caries are painless.   Should the level of cavity causing bacteria reach a high risk level, precautionary measures can be taken to reduce this destructive bacteria.   This treatment consists of using a series of antibacterial mouth rinses.   The first Carifree treatment rinse kills the harmful bacteria on the teeth.   This rinse has an increased pH level that neutralizes the acidic conditions caused by the infection.   The second rinse creates an environment in the mouth which prevents the bacteria from re-establishing itself.

Identifying likely candidates for caries and treating those high risk patients with the Carifree products will prevent much of the decay that leads to fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals and ultimately tooth loss.   We are excited to have these new tools to help our patients quickly and painlessly prevent cavities.   If you have any questions about Carifree treatments, please ask any of our hygiene staff at your next visit.