Dentistry Myths: Only Children Get Cavities

Dental decay does not discriminate. No matter your age or status in life, you can get cavities. It seems like children seem more prone to decay possibly because of their diet or lack of daily hygiene care. But adults that consume excess sugary snacks and drinks, and have not incorporated the necessary care needed to prevent decay may benefit in a visit with a holistic dentist.
Dental decay prevention is usually a combination of diet, daily hygiene regimen, and twice yearly visits to the dentist for a complete cleaning and dental exam. But when you visit a holistic dentist, you maximize the benefits of your time spent knowing that your dental provider is not only doing the things needed for your dental health, but will do only the things that prove beneficial for your overall health.
If experiencing dental decay, historically you would be treated with a metal based dental amalgam. However, the silver filling used for years is unattractive and potentially unhealthy. Mercury free dentistry is gaining popularity by treating decay with a plastic based, tooth colored composite resin. [pullquote]Dental decay prevention is usually a combination of diet, daily hygiene regimen, and twice yearly visits to the dentist for a complete cleaning and dental exam.[/pullquote]
Advantages of resin over amalgam include: Absence of mercury, cosmetic enhancement, and less of the natural tooth is removed when repairing. These differences are very meaningful for overall health and well-being.
Mercury is a toxic substance that requires special care both when placing and removing from a tooth; and disposal requires separating the mercury and placing it in special bags to be collected by hazardous waste for recycling or destroying. It is thought that mercury vapors can contribute to mental health concerns; however, the evidence has been inconclusive and dental amalgam continues to be used to treat dental decay.
When dental decay occurs in people of all ages, having the repair completed in a virtually invisible fashion is much more desirable than having a big glob of silver metal in your tooth, especially when the filling is in the smile line.
Maintaining more of the natural tooth is a much better option than cutting away tooth structure; with composite resin the tooth decay is removed and the filling is placed in layers. As each layer is applied, it is cured step by step which improves the strength of the tooth itself.
Keys to decay prevention are limiting sugary snacks, brushing and flossing daily, and visiting our dental team twice per year.