A Paradigm Shift in Dentistry

When most people think of going to the dentist, they think of getting checked to see how many “cavities” they have. While it is true that it is necessary to check whether the “cavities” are present, there are other equally important issues that get checked and addressed.

Let’s talk about the cavities first. When bacteria have entered a tooth through the enamel layer and into the inner part, the dentin, they can spread and not only destroy the tooth but also enter the nerves and blood vessels, causing a major infection. Those who have a high rate and amount of “cavities” have a problem. Three things need to occur in order to get cavities. One has to be a susceptible host, which means that vulnerable teeth have to be present. Second, bacteria that can cause the damage have to be present.
Third, the bacteria have to be fed sugar in various forms in order to survive. We can attempt to minimize these factors by having proper nutrition with limited “mealtime-only” sugar intake.

We can minimize the bacteria that are present by using specific mouth rinses in a prescribed regimen.We have xylitol gums and mints to help also. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that can be found in foods such as berries,
fruit, vegetables, mushrooms, birch trees, etc. It can be man-made as well. When you eat xylitol, the acid attack that would otherwise occur after a meal or a snack is stopped in its tracks. Because the decay-causing bacteria are unable to metabolize xylitol, their growth is reduced. The number of acid-producing lactobacilli and streptococci bacteria falls by as much as 90 percent. Because acids are not formed, the saliva and plaque pH do not fall. The bacteria cannot stick to the tooth surfaces as much then and the plaque decreases.
This leads to a reduced rate of “cavities.”

One of the paradigm shifts with cavities is that when there is a start of decay, it has a potential to stop or reverse as long as it hasn’t entered the dentin layer of the tooth. Using xylitol, mouth rinses, proper nutrition, fluoride, and meticulous oral hygiene can arrest the decay process in some cases. That is very exciting indeed!

In addition to cavities, your mouth gets checked for cancer at a dental office as well. This is a very important part of your overall health. Sometimes a biopsy of tissue with a small brush is necessary. Another important part of your checkup is the way your teeth meet together. It is important to check for signs of clenching,
grinding, and other improper forces on teeth as this may lead to severe damage to teeth as well as to the bone that holds your teeth.

Another paradigm shift in dentistry is that dentistry can be beautiful. When nature does not give one a perfect smile, current dentistry can make teeth look as beautiful as natural teeth or better.