Across the nation dental decay rates have started to climb after many years of decline. We're all trying to eat healthier, exercise more, and take the advice of our doctors so why is this happening? There are several factors that contribute to why we are getting more dental cavities. I'll touch on these briefly. The big one is diet. We eat more refined sugars and carbohydrates and drink less water than ever before. If we cut back on sodas, sports drinks and energy drinks, limit our intake of refined carbohydrates (breads, potato chips, french fries, etc.) and substitute unflavored water, fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grain breads we would see a considerable change.

Another problem is medicine. Many of the most commonly prescribed medicines cause dry mouth. Most people do not notice the changes in quantity or quality of their saliva but minor changes greatly decrease the ability of saliva to buffer acids, coat the oral tissues so food does not stick and aid in digestion. People on one medication can have a decrease in saliva flow up to 20% and those on six medications may have a 60% decrease.

Another contributory factor is age. As we age our saliva flow decreases, and to compound that as we age we tend to be on more medicines. Patients who have arthritis or other physical or mental conditions may not be able to effectively brush and floss anymore.

So now that you have read all this bad news here is the positive take away message - there is some new research that has promise. Studies show that modifying diet, increasing water intake, consulting with your Dentist about medicines, dry mouth and cavity fighting ancillary products will make a big difference. The latest research tells us that ancillary products containing fluoride, xylitol and calcium replacement (hydroxyl apatite) can help control the cavity process. The way to best monitor and manage this is for the dentist to use a CAMBRA (Caries Management By Risk Assessment) system in the office. This CAMBRA system combines questionnaires about diet and medicines, examination for cavities and a test of the bacterial makeup of the mouth. With this information the dentist can make recommendations on diet, medicines and the appropriate ancillary products. Employing these management strategies can lower the risk of new cavities to almost zero. Make sure to ask your dentist about how he or she can assist you in managing your risk of getting new cavities using the CAMBRA system. You can learn more about CAMBRA at www.carifree.com.

Dr. Robert A. Gallegos is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, he is on the faculty of Spear Education he is a member the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and the American Dental Association. Dr. Gallegos practices dentistry in Middleburg, VA. You can learn more about his practice at www.MiddleburgSmiles.com.