Prevention for patients with High Decay Risk
You are at high risk for decay if:
- You have had cavities in the last 12 months
- You have extensive enamel demineralization (white, chalky spots on teeth)
- decay on the radiographs
- Have several disease promoting factors (as per table)
Home Care
Dietary Tips
Professional Care
- Brush twice daily - using power-assisted toothbrush with Colgate PreviDent 5000 toothpaste with a high fluoride concentration
- Use a Power-assisted toothbrushes– See The Benefits of Electric Toothbrush vs. Manual
- Floss daily to clean between teeth- if you cannot floss use a Gum Soft-Pick instead.
- Link to Instructions on proper brushing and flossing: CDA brushing and Flossing
- Baking soda rinse (or similar neutralizing product)- Use four to six times daily during the day. You can make this yourself by shaking up two teaspoons of baking soda in an eight-ounce bottle of water.
- X-pur Opti-Rinse 0.05% or .2% sodium fluoride rinse- rinse with 10 ml (one cap full) once or twice daily after you have used your fluoride toothpaste.
- Peridex: Rinse with 10 ml once a day before bedtime for one minute. Do this for only for one week each month. (If you are brushing with Colgate Prevident wait at least one hour before doing this)
- X-PUR Remin is a fluoride-free toothpaste formulated with 10% nano medical hydroxyapatite to help remineralize tooth enamel, reduce sensitivity, and protect against cavities. Safe and biocompatible, it restores enamel smoothness and gloss while being free of harsh foaming agents like SLS and triclosan. Sweetened with xylitol and lightly mint-flavored, it’s ideal for individuals with dry mouth or sensitivity. Directions for use: Brush with a thin film of toothpaste three times daily, then spit out. Do not eat, drink, or rinse for 30 minutes after brushing for optimal results
Dietary Tips
- Limit between-meal sweet snacks and sugary drinks. It's the duration of sugar exposure to your teeth that matters, not the quantity consumed.
- Avoid acidic foods and beverages between meals.
- End your breakfast, lunch, or dinner with cheese, nuts, seeds, or peanut butter to reduce mouth acidity.
- Do not brush your teeth immediately after eating. Brushing while acid is present can wear down tooth enamel. Waiting an hour allows saliva to neutralize the acid, making it safe to brush.
- To neutralize acids post-meal, rinse with a mixture of 1 tsp baking soda in a cup of water.
- Use Xylitol candies or gum four times daily. X-Pur or Pur..
Professional Care
- Please keep regular preventive maintenance visits at 3 to 4 month intervals:
- New bitewing radiographs (X-rays) should be taken every 6 to 18 months to check for cavities.
- Get a fluoride varnish treatment after your teeth cleanings.
- Allow us to review your use of chlorhexidine, Prevident and oral hygiene at that visit.
- Complete any necessary restorative dental work, such as fillings or crowns.
- If suitable, have sealants placed on the chewing surfaces of your molars to prevent bacterial infection and dental decay.
- If you think you grind and clench, consider a Bruxism Splint
- If you play contact sports protect your teeth with a sports guard
