In general we all agree to recommend good hygiene to prevent cavities, but we go much further in our recommendations and explanations to identify the likely causes of tooth decay. Indeed there is more than brushing and flossing that come into play. The field is responsible for much that is to say the environment in which the teeth are bathed starting with the oral cavity but also, more broadly to include the whole human body constantly seeking the homeostasis in which the biological balance and energy. The mechanism of formation of dental cavities, reduces to its simplest form, is the bacteria plus dental plaque accumulation around the teeth caused by sugar in the mouth, especially refined sugar found in food which causes acidity. Acid when released by the bacteria in the digestive process penetrate into the tooth and cause permeable demineralization of the tooth and the formation of a carious cavity. But several factors can influence the ease with which cavities will form. Of course, if hygiene is impeccable and there is no accumulation of plaque around the teeth, there will be no bacteria to utilize the sugar and transform it creating the demineralization of the tooth. But it is not sufficient to prevent tooth decay because there will always be bacteria in the mouth despite all our good efforts. Let’s talk about the saliva, natural protector, to understand other factors. Saliva acts as a neutralizing acid by dissolving acids in the oral cavity to return to a neutral PH. But now the time of exposure comes into play. Indeed, the saliva will take twenty minutes to neutralize the acid and sugar intake which spread over a long period, for example by drinking sweetened coffee stretched over several hours, soft drinks or consumption of sweets, biscuits, dried fruits, mints or throat lozenges, so saliva will not be able to neutralize the acid enough to protect teeth. I remember in one particular case where my patient was followed regularly every six months, demonstrating a stable situation for years, had taken throat lozenges for 15 days. The record, surprising for everyone, was six new cavities.
In other words, if the consumption of sugar is limited to three meals a day, there will be less likelihood of cavities .If the presence of sugar is consumed several times a day there can be an increase in decay, saliva can be reduced by certain habits such as cigarette smoking or absent altogether by taking certain medications. If this is the case, you should find an alternative to medication or find compensation in missing saliva otherwise the loss of control over the formation of cavities is imminent. Finally, there is also the relationship with the balance (homeostasis) of the human body as any acid or mineral imbalance will be felt on the tooth’s ability to defend itself. Indeed, the tooth is a living organ with its own defense mechanism. A fluid flow from the center of the tooth travels outward in the dentinal tubules (microscopic channels) that are related in some way to the pores of the skin. The microcirculation provides immunity to the tooth and the addition of minerals on the surface. In the case of a general imbalance, stress, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, disease, poor nutrition or malabsorption, the tooth will also be affected microcirculation and reversed. The tooth will become more permeable, more porous and acid to the invader, like a sponge, which will store what is in their immediate environment. Tubules are therefore more easily penetrated by the acids so to demineralize the tooth and cause caries. This is Ralph R. Steinman in 1971 that showed this phenomenon. Ralph R. Steinman and John Leonora, J DENT RES 1971 50:1536. This means that it is not only what we eat and how we brush our teeth, which influence the formation of dental caries but also how the diet, sleep, exercise, lack of medication or drugs disrupting this homeostasis, the human body is an environment favorable to the defense mechanism of the tooth and its circulation in the right direction. Through active listening and recommendations, our team at Global Dental Art will make a difference for you. Our goal is to restore your teeth to perfection. To give you the tools required to maintain healthy gums and provide you the pledge to keep your smile for years.
