Proactive or Reactive?

Dentistry has traditionally followed a reactive protocol.  If you get a cavity, we find it and fix it.  Wouldn’t it be better if we could prevent the cavity from ever happening in the first place?

That would be a proactive protocol.  That is what we believe in.

We’ve been using an analogy of a nail in your tire.  The nail in the tire is a cavity in your tooth. Typically, the nail (cavity) has been removed and the tire repaired (tooth-filled).  Yet, the cause of the nail in the tire (nails in the driveway) is not addressed. Thus, you’re likely to get another nail in the tire (cavity).

What about a strategy to remove the nails in the driveway?

            “If you do not change the direction, you may end up where you are heading.”     - Lao Tzu

We have been performing risk assessments on our patients for years. We identify those at risk (nails in the driveway) for future quality of life problems (nails in the tire) and offer solutions to reduce risk.  The choice is always yours. You can be proactive, or accept the risk and see what happens.  We don’t judge your decision.  We understand that there are many factors that affect your choice for the level of care you choose.  We want to be your advocate.  We will be here when you’re ready. Coming soon.

By the time you brush your teeth the damage has already been done.  When a person eats, the bacteria or biofilm, that is present on the teeth will break down your food and create an acidic environment.  This will cause a loss of tooth minerals.  If calcium, phosphate, and fluoride aren’t available around the tooth and in the saliva to replace the lost minerals, the result is a cavity.  If this cavity remains in the outer layer of the tooth, which is called enamel, then remineralizing the tooth may reverse the cavity.  If the cavity is allowed to progress to the inner layer of the tooth, called dentin, then the cavity is not reversible and it must then be removed by a dental hand piece (drill)  and filled.

This loss of minerals happens within 15-20 minutes of eating or drinking. Likely, the next time you brush your teeth will be right before bedtime.  Therefore, the damage is already done.  The best strategy to combat this would be to brush and floss immediately before eating and drinking so the amount of bacteria present is limited, or to brush immediately after eating and drinking. You may also chew sugarless gum containing Xylitol for 15-20 minutes after eating if brushing your teeth right away isn’t convenient.  Xylitol has been shown to help prevent cavities.

Still, this may not be enough. Many of our patients have great oral hygiene but still develop cavities. Why? The answer depends upon the individual. To determine if you're at risk for tooth decay, or why you're prone to getting cavities, request an appointment Appointment Request for a personalized, complimentary Risk Assessment.  This assessment will determine your level of risk and different options to reduce that risk.  

Welcome to the Blog of Forever Young Dentistry

Whether you are an existing patient or searching for a dentist in the Sterling Heights area, we're excited you are here. With the dental industry advancing, we recognize the importance of keeping our patients and visitors up to date with all of the new and exciting things taking place in our practice.

As we move forward with our blog, we hope to promote dental awareness as a vital part of your healthy lifestyle. Here you will find a variety of articles and topics including dental news, advancements in dental technology and treatment, practical dental health advice and updates from Michael L. Young, DDS and his staff.

We hope you find our blog to be helpful, engaging and informational to ensure your best dental health.

As always, feel free to contact us with any dental questions or concerns.