One 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