Bacterial Decay
Bacterial decay is one of the most common dental problems next to gum and bone disease and tooth wear. Teeth are meant to last a lifetime. People with healthy teeth have been studied and commonalities have been found that allow Dr. Edwards to assess your teeth in relation to a healthy dentition. Dr. Edwards also listens to your family's story about dental health and medical health to gauge your genetic predisposition or risk of having certain dental issues. In addition to this, your lifestyle plays a large role in “turning on” certain genetic expressions as well as increasing the risk of having bacterial decay.
Lifestyle issues can increase bacterial decay, but it isn’t always your “fault” as medications, and believe it or not, the health of the digestive tract and general immune system has an effect. Common causes of dental decay are:
1. Consuming sugary or starchy foods on a regular basis. This not only “feeds” the bacteria, but allows for an acidic environment that is bacteria favorable, and erodes the protective layer on the outer shell of the tooth. These foods increase inflammation in the gut and have a negative effect on the immune system.
2. Not adequately removing plaque after eating. Plaque is a film of food particles and decay that make a slushy mixture that is sticky and becomes lightly attached to the tooth. It typically builds up along the gum line and in between the teeth. Plaque makes acids that can eat away at the outside of the tooth and create holes or cavities that then “house” the bacterial plaque and allow it to grow and eat more of the tooth away. There are four stages of decay. See insert below.
3. Medications that reduce salivary flow. Saliva forms a protective layer on the outside of the tooth. Healthy saliva flow helps keep the mouth alkaline or not acidic. When saliva flow is lowered either through health issues or medications or consuming large amounts of caffeine, the mouth becomes acidic, the teeth are less protected and the decay risk goes up.
4. Smoking or smokeless tobacco not only tends to dry the mouth out but the chemicals and sugars in the tobacco feed the bacteria and create a sticky layer that they can live in. The Nicotine habit essentially improves the habitat for bacteria in the mouth.
5. Eating disorders tend to increase the acidity in the mouth and don’t allow for the body to have what is necessary to repair itself.
6. Exposed root surfaces are weaker than the exterior of the tooth or the tops of the teeth. The roots are not meant to be exposed in the mouth, so when they are, they are more susceptible to decay. Additionally, root surfaces have naturally occurring contours that allow the bone to grow around them and make a tight interface. These contours are difficult to clean once they become exposed in the mouth. When this happens, use a water pik, an electric brush, and an oral rinse that kills bacteria and promotes an alkaline environment.
Of course, there are many other factors to be considered in a risk assessment. Some ways to reduce your risk of bacterial decay are:
Use an electric brush. They have been shown to be far more effective than brushing by hand.
Once you get brushing down, floss!
Probiotics have been shown to improve your immune response and reduce certain types of harmful bacteria
Oral rinses that are oil-based, with an alkaline pH, or rinses that do not burn when you use them, allowing you to rinse for 30-60 seconds. If they kill bacteria even better.
Improving your overall immune health by using probiotics and an anti-inflammatory diet and supplements
Hygiene care at your dental office based on your risk assessment for decay and periodontal disease. This means that you may need to be seen more frequently at times until the risk assessment improves and then intervals of care can be extended. This will allow any buildup to be removed before allowing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Additionally, this helps the doctor monitor your teeth, saliva pH, and build-up levels closely to alter your care plan.
If you suffer from frequent cavities or are concerned about your risk of developing decay, schedule a consultation with Dr. Edwards today! You can do this by calling the office at 636-583-2612 or emailing the office at office@optimadg.info