Prevention of dental caries reduces the risk of developing this disease by about 90-95%. With proper hygiene procedures and compliance with the requirements of doctors, you can easily maintain oral health. The remaining category includes people with a genetic predisposition to this problem.
It is most often detected in early childhood and may be due to various factors, including:
- Anatomical features (the presence of depressions and grooves on the surface);
- Increased content of oligosaccharides in saliva or lack of class A proteins;
- Reduced cellular immunity;
- Malocclusion;
- An acidic environment in the mouth is a consequence of the presence of pathology of the heart muscles or caused by cardiopathy.
Dentiki specialists offer effective methods of treatment and restoration of damage, but it is still better to prevent a problem than to deal with it.
Why does the disease appear
Dental Caries is a pathology that causes the gradual destruction of the hard tissues of the tooth. The disease affects both adults and children. The cause is bacteria. Their waste products damage the enamel. But not all microorganisms are able to have a negative impact, because even 2-3 hours after hygienic cleaning, their number in the mouth reaches a million, and this is considered a normal indicator.
Streptococci are not dangerous to humans and are part of the natural microflora. But in the presence of factors that undermine the immune forces of the body, they can actively multiply, releasing a large amount of organic acid, which acts as a solvent. The main goal of the prevention of dental caries is not the complete destruction of bacteria, it is only intended to keep their numbers within acceptable limits.
How to do daily cleaning
For hygienic care, it is advisable to purchase a brush with a small head to remove plaque even from remote and hard-to-reach areas. Medium-hard bristles allow you to achieve the desired result without damaging the enamel and gum tissue. For a child, as well as for those who have increased sensitivity, soft bristles are suitable. If there is any doubt, it is worth consulting with a specialist who will assess the condition of the oral cavity and, based on this, give recommendations.
To prevent caries, dentistry offers several cleaning techniques, the most popular is the Pakhomov method:
- A row of teeth is conditionally divided into segments.
- The procedure starts on the right side, processing the far zones. Gradually pass all parts of the upper jaw. Further, in a similar way, these actions are performed from below.
- On the sides, plaque is removed in the direction from the gums to the edges of the teeth, and food debris must be removed from the chewing surfaces with reciprocating movements.
- The procedure is completed by a circular movement of the brush in all segments.
The use of electrical appliances for cleaning has certain nuances. The subtleties of their use are prescribed in the manufacturer’s instructions.
Means for the prevention of dental caries
There are a lot of preventive measures aimed at maintaining the health of the oral cavity. There is a whole system that allows you to divide them into four groups.
Classification of methods is carried out on the basis of such features:
- The degree of coverage is local and complex.
- Type – medicinal and non-medicinal.
- Direction – external and internal.
- The nature of the impact depends on the condition of the teeth – primary (endogenous), secondary (exogenous), and tertiary.
They cover both professional and household methods to prevent the onset of this disease.
Endogenous protective measures
Primary prevention of dental caries is a measure that from the inside can increase resistance to the negative effects of bacteria and their metabolic products. For the most part, they are based on following the principles of proper nutrition and maintaining the immune forces of the body through the intake of vitamins.
According to this scheme, you can achieve health by refusing to use:
- Factory-made juices with a high percentage of sugar;
- Carbonated drinks;
- Sweets (switch to moderate amounts).
Chewing raw carrots and apples thoroughly will help to get rid of soft plaque, as well as stimulate blood flow to the gums.
Exogenous protective measures
Include methods for secondary prevention of complications of dental caries and treatment of early signs of a problem. The disease at this stage manifests itself as a spot on the surface but does not yet affect the enamel.
The following fighting methods are used:
- Remineralization procedure using modern means;
- A careful approach to compliance with the rules of oral hygiene;
- Professional cleaning in the doctor’s office;
- Bite correction with braces and caps;
- Fissure sealing.
All these actions are aimed at external strengthening in order to prevent further development of the disease and damage to the deep layers. Dentists at the Dentika clinic will select the best approach for each individual case.
Tertiary safeguards
They are dental caries prevention programs that are aimed at eliminating the consequences caused by this disease. With untimely treatment or its absence, hard tissues are severely destroyed. The organic acid secreted by bacteria in the process of life damages the enamel and gradually leads to the appearance of large cavities.
In advanced cases, doctors recommend a restoration procedure by installing implants:
- Removable;
- Conditionally removable;
- Fixed.
The type of construction is selected individually, taking into account the condition of the teeth. Dentists at the Dentika clinic will help restore chewing functions and the external beauty of a smile.
Dental Caries Prevention Methods
Existing means according to the degree of coverage are general (complex) and local. In the first case, manipulations are carried out that have a positive effect on the body as a whole, stimulating its immune forces, and in the second, only the surface of the molars is affected.
The success of these activities is 80% dependent on the patient himself. If he strictly follows all the recommendations of the doctor and carefully monitors oral hygiene, then the likelihood of problems is minimal.
Comprehensive strengthening of immunity
A weakened body is not able to resist the effects of bacteria, so it is very important to take care of internal protection.
Common methods for preventing dental caries include:
- Strengthening health through hardening.
- Timely treatment of diseases.
- Physical activity (sports, walking in the fresh air, morning exercises).
- Reception of calcium, fluorine, and vitamins.
- Increasing the level of stress resistance in order to reduce the body’s vulnerability to the impact of negative environmental factors.
- Rejection of bad habits.
- Slow chewing of food in order to evenly distribute the loads, which leads to the correct development of the maxillofacial system.
- Compliance with a balanced diet.
Taking any medications is allowed only with the permission of a doctor. Self-medication can lead to serious consequences. Consult with the specialists of the Dentika clinic, taking into account the condition of the teeth, they will select the appropriate complex of microelements.
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External reinforcement
Local prevention of caries is aimed directly at the dentition, as well as tissues and other organs of the oral cavity. Secondary or exogenous methods fall into this category. To protect the enamel layer from damage, it is also recommended to minimize contact with acids and carbohydrates. To do this, you should eat foods containing these substances as little as possible.
Enamel is considered the most highly mineralized tissue in the body. It is 90% calcium phosphate. To effectively strengthen the surface, as well as restore existing damage, it is allowed to use fluorine-containing preparations and various rinses with minerals for preventive purposes.
Occupational procedures – modern caries prevention
Preventive measures can be applied at home, but there are also professional ones. In modern dentistry, a number of useful manipulations are provided for the successful removal of dental plaque and restoration of mineral balance.
Professional cleaning in the doctor’s office is recommended to be done twice a year. If the oral cavity is in good condition, this is enough to maintain health. Patients who wear occlusion alignment devices should undergo this procedure at least three times a year. The same applies to people who often drink coffee or tea, as well as smokers. In this case, they develop pigmented plaque too quickly and need regular cleaning.
Professionals distinguish several types of caries prevention using:
- Air Flow – used to eliminate soft plaque. A mixture consisting of water, gentle abrasive components, and the air is directed to the teeth with a jet and gently cleans their surface.
- Ultrasound – helps to get rid of hard deposits, which are called stones.
These are common types of cleaning, but in some cases, other methods may be used, for example, if the patient has large subgingival stones. Finally, the surface is polished to a smooth state, which helps prevent the accumulation of plaque in the future.
Fluoroprophylaxis and demineralization
As an effective measure to prevent dental caries, dentists use fluoride preparations. The principle of their action is very simple. Tiny particles of fluoride penetrate the enamel structure, saturate it and restore it. As a result, resistance to the negative effects of acids from the outside increases. Moreover, the component inhibits the development of pathogenic bacteria, which is why plaque is not formed so intensively.
Professional remineralization with fluoride
To maintain the health of the oral cavity, it is very important to maintain the mineral balance of hard tissues. In a normal state, the enamel layer provides effective protection against the influence of adverse factors and prevents tooth decay. If a person eats a lot of sweets or is not concerned about hygiene enough, a gap appears in this barrier.
Remineralization is an effective way to prevent caries. Allows you to restore the natural structure of the enamel. For this, doctors use special formulations with fluorine and calcium. They replenish the deficiency of minerals, strengthen the protective barrier and reduce sensitivity.
Various application methods are used:
- Direct;
- Baths;
- Rubbing;
- Applications;
- Electrophoresis;
- Rinsing.
Dentists at the Dentika clinic will restore thinned enamel at a professional level, and eliminate erosion, cracks, and other damage.
Fissure sealing
There are natural depressions on the chewing surface of the teeth. In some people, due to the anatomical features, food particles accumulate in these areas, which are difficult to remove with daily cleaning. Sealing recesses completely solves this problem.
This procedure is also used to prevent the early development of caries in children. Using a special sealant, dentists mechanically seal the fissures. In the Dentika clinic, modern and high-quality formulations are used for these purposes: Fluorine varnish, Composeal, and Duraphat.
Nutrition rules
Doctors recommend limiting the consumption of sweets, replacing carbonated drinks with compote, and confectionery with dried fruits. Rinse your mouth thoroughly after every meal.
A balanced diet must include:
- Dairy products;
- Nuts;
- Fresh greens;
- Cheese;
- Dietary varieties of fish with a low-fat content;
- Meat.
It is better to refrain from eating too cold or hot foods and drinks. The alternation of temperatures adversely affects the enamel. As a result, cracks appear, which promotes the growth of bacteria.
Oral hygiene
Individual hygiene procedures are exogenous methods of prevention. Be sure to monitor the quality and condition of the brushes, follow the correct cleaning technique and do it regularly. It is advisable to use rinses, irrigators, and dental floss as additional care methods.
Pastes to prevent caries
At home, you can use compounds that have therapeutic and prophylactic effects. With daily use, they seal the enamel, eliminate soft plaque and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Fluorine-containing
These pastes contain active amino-fluoride. The action of this component is based on the natural mechanisms of the behavior of fluorine, which independently integrates into the enamel layer and prevents calcium from being washed out. Using these cleansers twice a day reduces the likelihood of developing the disease by 50%.
Without content
Drinking water contains a certain amount of fluoride. If the indicators are within the normal range, then the enamel is independently saturated with this mineral. To maintain health, 1.2 mg / l is enough. In such situations, fluoride-free pastes are used to prevent dental caries in adults. They contain a large amount of calcium, and also have an antibacterial effect. Used for daily hygiene 2 times a day.
Dental floss
Unlike other products, it is able to remove food debris in interdental spaces. These areas are inaccessible to brushes, so this is where problems most often arise. For the manufacture of fibers of synthetic or natural origin is used. To achieve the maximum effect, the thread is impregnated with special solutions containing fluorides or antimicrobial components. It is advisable to use it after every snack or at least in the evening before brushing your teeth.
Mouthwashes
To further strengthen the protection, fluorine-based solutions are used at home, which has an anti-caries effect. They neutralize the aggressive effects of acid, which destroys the enamel, and also prevent the reproduction of pathogens. Experts recommend rinsing your mouth with these products after each meal, as well as before going to bed.
Toothpicks
These devices are not an effective measure. They are used as an alternative when a brush or floss is not available to get rid of food stuck between teeth. Doctors recommend giving preference to plastic or wooden products. Toothpicks must have a smooth surface without chips or cracks. Make sure that the end is slightly rounded, otherwise, the gums may be damaged.
Dental caries Preventive checkups
Regular visits to the dentist will help prevent tooth decay or detect its presence at an early stage. Professional teeth cleaning is recommended 2-3 times a year. These procedures can be combined with examinations, which should be carried out at the same frequency. In the absence of any complaints, it is enough to visit a hygienist.
Only a specialist with the help of professional tools can detect the disease at an early stage. As a rule, it appears as a white spot. Sometimes there are small dots of dark color. If the putrefactive process has affected the lateral groups of the dentition, then it is impossible to notice it on your own. Blind spots also include the inner surfaces of the incisors.
Patients usually discover caries when it is advanced and a small cavity has already appeared. One of the signs of a problem is also hypersensitivity. If the gums begin to bleed, there are obvious discolorations on the enamel and pain, then it is advisable not to wait for the scheduled examination, but to immediately visit a doctor.
Summarize
As practice shows, it is much easier and cheaper to prevent a disease than to engage in long-term treatment and elimination of consequences. Specialists of the clinic “Dentika” carry out all the procedures necessary for the prevention of dental caries and provide other types of professional services. The work uses modern techniques and equipment. Regular check-ups and proper hygiene will help maintain oral health for a long time.