CARIES PROPHYLAXIS

Caries – demineralization and proteolytic decay of dental hard tissues

Caries depends on four basic factors:

1. Carietic diet
2. Bacterial metabolism carbohydrates into acids in the dental plaque
3. Vulnerability of enamel to demineralization
4. Time and intensity of the process

Prophylaxis
1. Proper oral hygiene is aimed at removal of dental plaque on
a daily basis, it should be done well but without damage tooth
or gums. Teeth brushing is done with tooth brush, paste and other
measures like dental flosses, tooth picks and brushes that reach
spaces between teeth – used for cleaning of contact surfaces
and removal of subgingival dental plaque .

2. Regular follow-up visits in our dental clinic helps in early
detection and treatment of carietic teeth. Children should be
screened by dentist every three months and adults every six
months.

3. Complete diet rich in proteins, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins
and mineral salts protects and plays important role in caries
prevention in every stage of teeth development.

Some foods have cleaning abilities, like oranges, apples, nuts, carrots,
dark bread. Wrong diet containing large amounts of carbohydrates
and starch contribute to dental plaque development and also production
of acids, which lead to carietic defects.

In order to minimize negative effects of wrong diet it is suggested to:
reduce carbohydrates intake between meals, so called snacks,
it is best to add them to main meal
popularize, especially in children, Scandinavian scheme of ‘sweet
Saturdays’ instead of daily sweets eating
Menu should consist mainly hard foods, grains, fresh fruit
and vegetables, and between meals it is suggested to have an apple,
nuts, carrot or a sandwich with cheese or meat

4. Professional caries prophylaxis in our clinic:

• Tooth sealing
• Varnishing - fluorine