MANAGING YOUR TOOTH DECAY RISK
When managing tooth decay, best practice is using the Caries Risk Assessment & Management system.
What is Caries?
Most people know that sugar causes tooth decay, but the picture is more complicated than that. Dental caries is the disease that causes tooth decay.
What is CaMBRA?
The acronym CaMBRA stands for 'Caries Management by Risk Assessment'. By identifying your risk factors, we formulate a risk profile and tailor an individual plan with recommendations on how to protect against future tooth decay.
What are the risk factors that increase your chance of caries?
01
High sugar or acidic diets, especially if sugar is eaten frequently between meals.
02
Poor teeth cleaning (increased levels of bacteria).
03
High levels of tooth-damaging bacteria (bacteria differ from person to person).
04
Reduced saliva or poor quality saliva (often caused by medications).
05
Deep pits and fissures (grooves) in teeth.
06
Exposed root surfaces (from receding gums).
07
Having existing decay or fillings placed in the last 3 years.
08
Braces and dental plates.
09
Recreational drug use.
What are the protective factors that decrease your chance of caries?
01
Drinking fluoridated water at home, work and school.
02
Using fluoridated toothpaste or a high fluoride toothpaste prescribed by your dentist.
03
Using a fluoride and antibacterial mouthwash.
04
Regular hygiene treatments with the dental hygienist.
05
Chewing xylitol gum or lozenges.
06
Using tooth mousse.
07
Having lots of saliva, especially good quality saliva.
08
Have fluoride treatment in the dental clinic.
The tooth decay balance
Tooth decay is a balance between the things that put your teeth at risk and the protective factors. Our aim is to give you advice, techniques, and treatments to tip the balance to the protective direction.
Prevention for older patients is especially important. As we age, we commonly develop problems with sweeter diets, exposed root surfaces, dry mouths from medications, and a decreased ability to keep teeth clean due to loss of dexterity. Regular dental examinations and hygiene treatments will help us monitor your dental health and ensure your caries risk stays as low as possible.