Did you know that a simple 15 second test can determine whether or not you are high risk for getting cavities? At our office we routinely test each patient on an annual basis to assess whether a patient might get cavities. This is most important for not only protecting the teeth but also maintaining all of the previous dental work. The lower the risk for cavities, the longer dental work can last. Thus, protecting the investment that a patient has made in their oral health. What risk are you for getting decay? What if we could treat the bacteria in your mouth and keep you from getting decay? Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com
Posts Tagged ‘Decay’
Are you high risk for decay?
Monday, December 28th, 2009What is the deal with pH?
Monday, November 30th, 2009One of the biggest changes in the treatment of dental caries (the disease that causes cavities) is treating the pH of the patient’s mouth. The lower the pH, the more acidic the environment in the mouth. It has been known for a long time that teeth demineralize (become soft and week) in a healthy mouth when the pH drops below 5.5, thus, creating a hole or cavity. However, as a society, we continue to treat patients with increasing amounts of fluoride and with little success. Unless the pH is above 5.5 there isn’t adequate remineralization (re-hardening) of the teeth to offset the damage from the acid. Today, we test each patient’s risk of getting cavities on a yearly basis. Individuals at higher risk are then informed of options for changing their risk of getting decay. If we only fill cavities without changing the patient’s overall risk of getting new cavities, the patient will most likely end up with more future decay. Two of the most critical risk factors for decay include diet and medications that create dry mouth. What risk are you for getting cavities? How would you like to stop getting cavities? Carson Kutsch Dentist Albany Oregon www.drkutsch.com
What is a sealant?
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009It is very common that dentists will place sealants on teeth in order to protect the grooves of the teeth from decay. Sealants used to be placed directly over either clean or stained grooves. However, we have found over time the bacteria that cause cavities live quite well under sealants. A lot of these teeth subsequently became very problematic. Today we clean out any staining or debris in the grooves prior to placing a sealant in order to decrease the patient’s risk of future decay. Sealants can be very effective and protect the tooth long term if placed correctly. Carson Kutsch Albany Oregon Dentist www.drkutsch.com