A rare adult does not know what caries is and avoided getting to know dentistry. Unfortunately, genetics, unsatisfactory hygiene, environmental conditions, unbalanced nutrition and many other factors lead to the development of caries. And since there are as many as 32 teeth in an adult, sooner or later almost everyone gets to see a doctor.
The treatment of caries and its complications is not only unpleasant, but also costly, so it is much easier to pay due attention to the prevention of dental caries.
Causes of caries development
The main reason for the penetration of cariogenic bacteria into the tissue of the teeth is the demineralization of the enamel. A pH drop below 4.5 results in the onset of enamel degradation. Various factors lead to this:
- insufficient hygiene of the oral cavity;
- lack of minerals coming from food and water;
- abuse of carbohydrates;
- anatomical structure of the tooth;
- genetics;
- composition of saliva.
The carious process does not happen instantly, it can take several years, therefore caries prevention can be carried out also in the primary stages (stain stage).
Methods of primary prevention of caries in adults
Primary is called prevention, which is aimed specifically at preventing the disease, when the first visible manifestations of it yet. Unlike secondary prevention, which consists in the treatment of caries and its complications. Primary prophylaxis of caries can be endogenous and exogenous.
Exogenous prevention of caries
This type of prevention consists in carrying out certain activities, which increase the resistance of tooth enamel to cariogenic factors. These include:
- Hygiene of the oral cavity. An individually selected toothbrush and paste should be used twice a day for 2-3 minutes. Movements should be sweeping - from the gum to the crown of the tooth. special attention should be paid to chewing teeth. Additional means of cleaning the oral cavity after meals are also welcome (rinses - with water or rinse, chewing gums, dental floss , toothpicks). This includes the professional cleaning of teeth in an armchair at the dentist.
- Fluoridation (use of fluorinated toothpastes, solutions, gels, local caries prophylaxis with fluoride, fluoride coating of the teeth, electrophoresis with fluoride and calcium preparations).
- Fissure sealing is the sealing of natural grooves and pits of the tooth surface with special sealants that prevent the spread of cariogenic bacteria deep into the tooth tissues.
- Regular visits to the dentist. Even if you are not worried about anything, once every six months you should undergo an examination at the dentist to identify possible problems at the earliest stages.
Endogenous prevention of caries
Endogenous prevention of caries can be medicinal and non-medicinal. The first focuses on the use of fluoride, vitamins and minerals, as additives to food, as well as drinking water, milk and salt, which are fluorinated specifically for this purpose. This method of prevention should be chosen by a doctor, because excess fluoride leads to fluorosis, which also has an unsatisfactory effect on the condition of the teeth.
Drug-free prevention involves changing eating habits. Carbohydrate snacks, so beloved by many, carry a clear threat to dental tissues - after all, very few people brush their teeth after a sandwich or a glass of sweet soda. In addition, the entire diet should be carefully balanced for proteins, fats and carbohydrates, as well as minerals and vitamins.