Prophylaxis
The bacteria responsible for the development of caries accumulate in the plaque that forms between the tooth and the gumline. Therefore, it is important for prophylaxis to remove this plaque by means of a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss. Because the saying applies: A clean tooth does not get sick.
However, since fluorides strengthen the resistance of the tooth enamel against acid attacks, toothpastes or rinsing solutions containing fluoride should always be used. Fluorides also strengthen the remineralizing effect of saliva. Another way would be to do without sugar altogether, but this is certainly not possible.
A promising measure is the use of xylitol instead of sugar, which is particularly common in Scandinavia. Xylitol cannot be absorbed and processed by Streptococcus mutans, and ultimately this germ responsible for caries is “starved”. However, xylitol is expensive and therefore cannot be used in all foods.
At present it is mainly a component of chewing gum. For young people whose posterior teeth are not yet affected by caries, it is recommended to seal the surfaces of the teeth that are particularly at risk. This involves filling the pits with plastic to protect them against acid attacks. This prophylactic measure has proven itself and is known as fissure sealing.
What is a caries detector?
A caries detector is a solution that the dentist uses to check whether he has completely removed the existing carious lesion and whether the edges of the cavity are free of caries. The detector is a liquid consisting of a solvent and a dye. The solvent can penetrate into dead and bacteria-infested dentin and the dye visibly discolors these areas.
The caries detector cannot penetrate healthy or demineralized tooth structure, so only the carious areas are stained. The dentist can now check whether the carious areas have been completely removed and to what extent he or she still has to remove caries afterwards. This allows the caries detector to distinguish necrotic tissue from healthy tissue, which can not only serve as a control during treatment, but also as a diagnostic tool.
In most cases, the caries detector consists of the solvent propylene glycol and the dye erythrosine. Caries is a worldwide spread infectious disease. Organic acids and bacteria are the triggering cause for the destruction of the hard tooth substance.
The bacteria in the plaque process the sugar into aggressive organic acids. The therapy consists of the total removal of the infected tissue and subsequent filling with suitable materials. The prophylaxis includes the removal of plaque through carefully performed oral hygiene, for which the necessary instruments are available.
