I have been “wowed” by the results we have seen using the product CariFree in our office. We now have several months of experience using it and it really works.
Dental decay happens when the minerals in our teeth (calcium, phosphate, and fluoride) are removed from the teeth faster than they are put back. Yes, it is a dynamic process. Minerals are going back and forth from teeth to saliva all the time. When the oral environment is more acidic (lower pH) minerals come out of the teeth. When the acid is neutralized, minerals either stay put or are ADDED to the teeth making them more resistant to cavities.
Lots of things affect the acid level in the mouth – food, drink, saliva flow, and hygiene. When you eat (even snacking) carbohydrates are metabolized by bacteria creating acid. Many drinks, including soda pop and juices are acidic. People with dry mouth or lower than normal salivary flow lose the buffering action (which neutralizes acid) of the saliva. Plaque is the bacteria (mostly acidic) that collects on tooth surfaces. Good hygiene (brushing and flossing/regular dental cleanings or therapy) helps remove the plaque from teeth.
Because of all that is going on, it is best to do what is necessary to prevent this acid damage to our teeth. For some people, the typical and routine good oral hygiene is enough, especially if they are using a fluoride toothpaste. Their oral environment is in good enough shape that decay doesn’t happen.
But for others, they need extra help. If you are doing a good job of otherwise taking care of your teeth but still get cavities, especially between your teeth or at the gum line, you may need help. CariFree is that help for many.
This process, which includes toothpaste and rinses, does two thing to help fight decay. First, it contains xylitol which is an agent that help neutralize the acid levels in the saliva AND in the plaque. That means that your oral environment is less likely to be removing too much mineral in your teeth.
The second effect of CariFree is to add an abundance of the needed minerals so that they are readily available to be “put back” into the teeth. As I said earlier, this dual approach is showing dramatic results in susceptible patients – not only in our office but all over!
Feel free to view the video which illustrates more precisely how this process works to keep you from getting cavities. Please ask us about CariFree at your next appointment or give us a call if you want to know more right now. (972.937.4370)
