Do You Have a High Cavity Risk?
How frustrating! You brush twice a day and floss before bedtime; you watch what you eat and stay away from candy and sugary drinks. Still, you find yourself dreading going to the dentist because every time it seems like you have another cavity. Maybe you’re thinking: I just have soft teeth and there’s nothing I can do. Don’t give up! Now there is research and science behind why some people have a higher risk for cavities. And with that information you can make choices to help stop the cycle.
Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) is standard of care that identifies the level of risk for developing caries (tooth decay). The World Congress of Minimally Invasive Dentistry states: “The latest research shows that caries is a pathogenic bacterial infection of the tooth’s natural biofilm and is a multifactorial disease. Measuring the bacterial load, learning the various contributory factors for each patient and assigning a risk level for each patient allows the practitioner to effectively help patients fight caries and the subsequent cavitations.”
Caries Risk Assessment
The assessment involves a series of questions and saliva testing that determines whether you are at low, moderate or high risk for cavities. Questions look at your past history of dental caries and dental treatment, other medical conditions and personal habits. While you’re in the dental chair your saliva is tested to measure the pH and levels of Streptococcus mutans bacteria, both of which are contributing factors for developing caries.
Who Can Benefit from Testing?
Children and the elderly
People with a history of extensive tooth decay
People with low salivary flow (dry mouth or xerostomia)
People with an acidic diet or high intake of carbohydrates
Patients undergoing periodontal treatment due to higher risk of root surface caries
Patients before extensive restorative treatment to avoid recurrence of decay
Expecting parents, to prevent oral transmission to their children
At New Hampshire Center for Comprehensive Dentistry, prevention is a key component to our philosophy of care and an important part of the services we provide. We are providing caries risk assessments now for all of our patients. If you have not had a dental appointment for some time or have any of the risk factors listed above, call our dentists in Amherst NH today. Learn how you can break the cycle of tooth decay and create a healthier smile.