Caries prevention

Health education

Health education is the most important pillar in the prevention of dental caries. A good instrument for the transmission and penetration of health education are children. Making children aware of the great importance of dental care for their health will help them, as adults, continue to take care of their mouths and that of their future children. Parents can learn these healthy habits from their children, too. Bad oral health habits are caused by lack of information.

Plaque removal

Oral hygiene should be aimed at the control and removal of dental plaque by mechanical and / or chemical methods. This dental hygiene should be based on tooth brushing, the use of dental floss and all those minor complementary means that are necessary.

Elimination and control of bacterial plaque by mechanical methods

Tooth brushing

As we have already stated, enamel demineralization occurs due to the existence of an acidic medium after ingestion. Toothbrushing after meals removes dental plaque, balances oral pH and removes food debris. We should brush our teeth after each intake, if this is not possible it is recommended to do it after the main intakes, three times a day.

Regarding the techniques, all the techniques described are correct if performed correctly, but the consensus at the level of international dental societies is that the modified Bass technique is ideal.

Brushing of children should always be done by the parents until the child shows sufficient ability to do it alone. Children can collaborate in their brushing once parents have completed brushing. The use of electric brushes does not improve the results of manual brushing and they are indicated in people with manual skills difficulties.

Floss

The use of dental floss is a perfect complement to tooth brushing to remove food debris that remains between the teeth. The use of dental floss or dental floss requires some training.

The use of this method would be recommended after large intakes but at least its use at night will be acceptable. Interdental brushes are also used to remove food debris, they can reach by design where the normal brush cannot enter.

Elimination and control of bacterial plaque by chemical methods

The use of mouthwashes may be indicated in patients who do not achieve the desired results with mechanical methods. The use should be indicated by a dentist since they have effects on the habitual bacterial flora of the mouth and on the dentin tissues, some of them can cause staining.

Diet measures

The type of diet has a considerable influence on the production of cavities. For the teeth to be strong, a good diet is important. A diet without excess refined carbohydrates (sugar) and containing vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, is the most advisable to maintain a healthy mouth and if necessary, go as quickly as possible.

Therefore, it is advisable not to abuse foods rich in sugar (sweets, pastries, candies, sugary drinks) trying to reduce the frequency of consumption of these foods and that they are taken only during meals. The foods richest in vitamins, minerals and calcium are dairy products, vegetables and fresh fruits.

It is advisable to avoid eating between meals, since the remains of food remain between the teeth until they are brushed, thus favoring the appearance of cavities. Decreasing the consumption of sugars and a balanced diet helps reduce the risk of tooth decay. Reducing the intake of sugary soft drinks, changing concentrated juices for natural juices are other recommended measures. Modifying the frequency of consumption is even more important than the quantity.

Use of Fluorine

The use of fluoride prevents the appearance of cavities by interfering with the metabolism of bacteria, reducing their pathogenic role. The presence of fluoride facilitates the incorporation of calcium into the hard tissues of the tooth and its remineralization.

There are various commercial presentations of fluoride from toothpastes, mouthwashes, gels, tablets or varnishes. Some of these presentations are for professional use and are administered under the supervision of an in-office dentist. In some urban areas drinking water undergoes fluoridation.

Sealing pits and fissures

The sealing of pits and fissures is a widely used prevention technique in current dentistry. The modification of the most retentive anatomical areas of the chewing face of the teeth, pits and fissures, through the use of various techniques and materials, has been one of the main preventive measures used to combat caries in children with a special tendency to suffer them.

Regular visits to the dentist

The dentist is the one who must transmit and reinforce health education regarding the mouth. Guide in brushing techniques, flossing, reinforcing positive attitudes in diet and hygiene. Monitor the health of our mouth and the development of the mouth in children, acting when necessary to correct situations that endanger this health.