Tooth Decay, Risk Levels and Preventive Strategies
Tooth decay, also known as "caries", is one of the most common conditions we encounter at our office. Often advancing without pain, it can affect various areas of the teeth, including biting surfaces, interdental spaces, areas beneath fillings, or exposed tooth roots. If left untreated, decay can lead to discomfort, infection, tooth destruction, and ultimately, tooth loss. Its impact extends beyond dental health, influencing overall well-being.
Your risk for tooth decay depends on specific "contributing factors" that influence decay development (see Contributing Factors below). While some of these factors are controllable, others are not. At our practice, we assess your risk during the initial examination and every preventive appointment using CAMBRA- Caries Management by Risk Assessment (Link to CAMBRA literature). This proactive, evidence-based approach focuses on preventing and managing cavities by carefully evaluating any contributing factors and balancing them with "protective factors" or measures (see Protective Factors below).
By identifying and addressing concerns early through CAMBRA, we aim to minimize the risk of decay, reduce the need for invasive treatments, and help you maintain optimal oral health and a confident smile
Your risk for tooth decay depends on specific "contributing factors" that influence decay development (see Contributing Factors below). While some of these factors are controllable, others are not. At our practice, we assess your risk during the initial examination and every preventive appointment using CAMBRA- Caries Management by Risk Assessment (Link to CAMBRA literature). This proactive, evidence-based approach focuses on preventing and managing cavities by carefully evaluating any contributing factors and balancing them with "protective factors" or measures (see Protective Factors below).
By identifying and addressing concerns early through CAMBRA, we aim to minimize the risk of decay, reduce the need for invasive treatments, and help you maintain optimal oral health and a confident smile
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Protective Factors
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Contributing Factors
Orthodontic care |
Once we have assessed your risk by weighing all factors, we will recommend oral hygiene strategies to protect your teeth and prevent further dental caries. Based on the criteria outlined below, you will be categorized as having either a Low, Moderate, or High Risk for decay.
LOW RISK*No cavities in the last 24 months *NO ENAMEL DEMINERALIZATION *NO VISIBLE PLAQUE *NO GINGIVITIS no disease promoting factors |
MODERATE*HAVE HAD CAVITIES IN LAST 24 MONTHS
*HAVE ENAMEL DEMINERALIZATION *SOME DISEASE PROMOTING FACTORS |
HIGH*HAVE HAD CAVITIES IN LAST 12 MONTHS *HAVE EXTENSIVE ENAMEL DEMINERALIZATION *ENAMEL DECAY ON THE RADIOGRAPHS *HAVE SEVERAL OF THE DISEASE PROMOTING FACTORS |
Prevention by Risk Level
