What can I do?

Break the mindset of inevitability. Change your dietary habits, review your oral hygiene routine, talk to your dentist and educate your family to help build a cavity-free future for everyone.

What is dental caries?

Dental caries is the term used by healthcare and dental professionals for tooth decay.

In Europe, almost all adults have experienced dental caries which, if left untreated at the early stages, can progress to cavities. However, most of us aren’t aware that the early stages of damage can be stopped or reversed.

How does dental caries occur?

When we eat or drink, sugars are converted to harmful acids by bacteria in our mouth. These acids, produced in the plaque or “bio-film” which builds up on our teeth, attack the outer surface of the tooth, the enamel. Within the “bio-film” the health and disease system is in a constant state of flux. Over time, if more tooth mineral is lost than is replaced, then dental caries will start or advance. In contrast, if more tooth mineral is replaced than lost, dental caries will not develop, or if an early “lesion” has already developed, it may stop progressing – or even reverse.

How can dental caries be prevented and controlled?

Initial dental caries lesions can be identified by a dental health professional and managed by good oral hygiene with a fluoride containing toothpaste from a trusted source and by avoiding the frequent intake of sugary snacks or drinks.

Dental caries lesions at later stage (including obvious cavities) may require extensive irreversible treatments including fillings and tooth extraction.

What can I do to keep my teeth sound and protected?

Reduce Sugary Snacks in Between Meals

You can manage your oral health and stop irreversible cavities from forming by lowering the frequency of sugar intake. The less sugar you eat, the less acid is produced by bacteria. This will increase your body’s ability to naturally balance some of the lost minerals. Sugars are in many snacks and drinks but they are also hidden in sugared teas, coffee and many processed meals containing starch such as white bread.

Establish a Proper Oral Care Routine at Home

Did you know that for young children, one way to predict how healthy their teeth are going to be is whether or not they brush regularly? Studies have shown that children who brush ideally twice a day with a fluoride containing toothpaste from a trusted source are less likely to develop irreversible cavities than children who don’t brush.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

The early detection and treatment of dental caries is only possible with regular dental inspection. Your dentist can advise you on how often you need to visit. Dental professionals have tools that can help repair the early stages of dental caries and prevent future irreversible cavities.