CARIES RISK ASSESSMENT
Caries, the most common disease in the world, is the process that leads to tooth decay.
Tooth decay is the cause of cavities, pain, tooth loss, and infection. It is the main reason why people seek dental treatment such as fillings, root canal treatments, extractions, and other costly, complicated dental procedures. But here's the good news, caries is a totally preventable disease and yes, with correct intervention, early caries can be reversed.
At the National Dental Centre of Singapore, we not only treat the effects of the caries disease, ie cavities, pulp death, infection, etc, we also help you identify the risk factors contributing to the progress of your disease. We are then able to customize a caries management program to help you control the disease more effectively.
If you wish to know more of your risk for caries disease, a simple Caries Assessment Test (CAT) can be carried out. Prevention is better than cure and in the case of dental caries, prevention is certainly more cost-effective, less time consuming and best of all pain free!
What Does the Test Comprise Of?
In order for us to prevent dental caries, we must first understand that it arises from a complex interaction of bacteria and sugar on our teeth over a period of time. Sugar may come from various food sources, and not just sweets. In addition, caries formation is affected by numerous factors such as saliva, diet, oral hygiene habits, and even lifestyle.
Thus, every individual will have a different pre-disposition towards dental caries. Once a basic dental examination is done, our dentists can carry out the CAT by providing you with:
- Comprehensive education on the process of tooth decay
- Clinical and radiographic assessment of the caries activity level of each tooth in your mouth
- Diet Analysis
- Saliva analysis to assess whether your saliva is healthy and able to adequately protect your teeth
- Plaque analysis to determine its bacteria and acidity levels
- Dental prophylaxis
These tests are quick and painless and will help us identify the factors predisposing you to caries disease. With these results, a preventive strategy tailored to your needs will be designed. The strategy will include:
- Modifications to lifestyle and/or prescription of safe therapeutics for home use
- Introducing a tooth brushing method tailor-made for you
- Incorporating remineralisation therapies, such as putting concentrated flouride on your teeth to control or reverse early caries lesions.
- Starting painless, minimally invasive treatment such as sealing the deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of teeth, if necessary.
Am I A Suitable Candidate For The Test?
- Do you have a past history of fillings, extractions, and complex dental work?
- Do you have new cavities detected or existing fillings that need to be replaced at each recall visit?
- Do you regularly consume soft drinks and sweets?
- Are you wearing braces or partial dentures?
- Do you have a history of or are currently undergoing radiation therapy?
- Have you been diagnosed with gum disease or are being treated for the condition?
Anyone may take the CAT. If our dentist has handed you this brochure, you have been identified as someone who will benefit from this test.
When Is A Good Time To Do The Test?
CAT may be carried out at any stage of your treatment at NDC. However, to receive the maximum benefit and to allow for sufficient time for review visits, it is best to request for the test to be done after your very first dental check-up. Our staff will be glad to assist you.
How Do I Prepare for The Test?
You will be instructed to record all foods, drinks and medication taken within a 3-day period using the Diet Diary forms provided. Bring this Diet Diary on your CAT visit.
On the day of you CAT visit, DO NOT
Eat, drink, smoke or brush your teeth 1 hour before the appointment time
Use any antimicrobial mouthrinse 3 hours before.
Please inform our staff if you have flouride treatment or took antibiotics within 2 weeks before the test date as your CAT may need to be rescheduled if this is the case.
Do You Know That Early Decay Can Be Reversed?
Understanding your risk for caries is half the battle won.
The best results are achieved when patients are committed to follow the prevention strategies drawn up between the dentists and themselves. Caries can recur at any stage in your life, even after this test. However, partnering responsibly with an oral care professional improves tremendously the chances of it becoming an irreversible disease in your life.