Our goal is to make each dental visit a relaxed and pleasant experience.

C

Carl D. Levy, D.M.D.

102 Hyde Parkway - Palmyra, New York 14522     (315)597-5511

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Tooth decay (a cavity) is caused by bacteria which grow on the surfaces of the teeth. These bacteria grow and multiply very quickly when sugary food is allowed to remain on the teeth after eating. This mixture of food and bacteria forms a sticky coating on the teeth known as plaque.

Some of these bacteria produce strong acids which can burn holes in the teeth. These holes are what we call cavities. If not treated, the cavities will usually continue to increase in size and may seriously damage the teeth.

Fluoride is a mineral which is found naturally in some drinking water supplies. Fluoridation is the process by which more fluoride is added to the drinking water to help prevent tooth decay. Most drinking water in Wayne and Monroe counties is now fluoridated.

Fluoride is now also added to toothpaste and some dental rinses to help reduce tooth decay. When applied directly to the teeth (for example fluoride toothpaste) fluoride helps prevent tooth decay in both children and adults. Fluoride slows the growth of harmful bacteria on the teeth and helps repair small cavities which have just started.

Fluoridated water is of special benefit to children. Both baby and permanent (adult) teeth are formed and grow from a "tooth bud" much like a plant grows from a seed. When a child drinks water containing fluoride, the fluoride travels through the child’s blood stream to the growing tooth bud. The presence of sufficient amounts of fluoride causes the tooth bud to grow into a tooth which is stronger and more resistant to decay throughout the child’s life.

(Added benefit: Fluoride intake has also been shown to decrease the incidence of osteoporosis in older people.)

Today, children who have had the benefits of fluoridated water and fluoride toothpaste get very few cavities in-between their teeth and on the inside and outside surfaces of their teeth. Fluoride is less effective in preventing cavities within the grooves on the chewing surfaces (tops) of the back teeth.

Sealing Out Decay

Dental Sealants are the biggest advance in preventive dentistry since fluoride. Soon after a back tooth grows into a child's mouth, a clear plastic is bonded over the deep grooves on the biting surface of the tooth.

The sealant acts as a barrier protecting these grooves from decay producing bacteria. Sealants have been shown to be more than 90% effective in preventing cavities. I suggest that all children be evaluated for sealants as soon as their permanent back teeth have grown in. The procedure is painless and doesn't harm the teeth.

Grooves  prone to food and bacteria entering.		Grooves sealed and protected.

Sealants typically last about five years, after which they can be touched up or replaced. Many dental insurance policies now cover sealants.

Scientists have identified the specific bacteria which causes tooth decay. They are in the process of developing a vaccine against this bacteria. If a vaccine can be made which will prevent growth of this bacteria, dental decay could be eliminated in both children and adults.