Streptococcus mutans is an agent of destruction for healthy teeth because it converts sugar into enamel-eating, decay-causing acid.

In the 1940s and 1950s, dental decay was widespread in the U.S. During a regular dentist visit, the question wasn’t whether you had a cavity or not, but how many cavities did you have?

Scientists and dentists, in the past, knew that cavities were caused from plaque but didn’t know how to manage its negative effects on the teeth. This is where the “drill and fill” method of dental care began. While this treatment method is still needed today, we know more about dental decay and can prevent its occurrence.

Decay is caused by specific bacteria called Mutans Streptococci (MS) and is an infectious disease with a cavity being the last step of the process. Through extensive research, we have discovered decay is caused by many factors and is reversible in the early stages. Sugar, saliva and fluoride levels are considered as well as past medical and dental history. Children between the ages of 6 months and 30 months may become infected by salivary exchange of their caretakers. It is medically and financially effective to diagnose those patients who are at greater risk and develop a preventive plan.

TREATING DENTAL CARIES
The early stages of dental decay are reversible. Decay is an ongoing process which, if not altered, will result in cavities. Until the point of cavitation, medical intervention is possible. Control of the bacteria is first gained through restoration (drill and fill). Antimicrobial treatment (similar to an antibiotic for the mouth) is then used to reduce the amount of toxic bacteria present. Currently, the drug of choice is prescription fluoride in gel, paste or in the form of varnish. Fluoride varnish was first used in Germany in 1964 and was introduced to the U.S. in 1991. Studies done in the past 30 years have proven as much as a 75 percent reduction in dental decay when fluoride varnish is used.

ORTHODONTIC NEED FOR FLUORIDE VARNISH
Orthodontic patients are at an increased risk for demineralization (the first step of the decay process). When plaque acid strips the calcium from the tooth, white spot lesions are the result. Fifty percent of all patients with orthodontics have some permanent white spotting on their teeth that are more obvious when the braces are removed. Fluoride varnish can prevent spotting of the teeth for those patients and reduce their overall susceptibility for decay.

FLUORIDE VARNISH APPLICATION
The teeth are dried and varnish is applied to the tooth surface with a small paintbrush. After the application, a yellow film remains on the teeth until the next day when the patient can brush and remove the residue. The desired result is a decrease in the rate of new cavities and/or cavity reversal.

POST APPLICATION INSTRUCTION
After the application of Cavity Shield, your child will feel a coating and may notice a dull yellow color while the varnish remains on their teeth. To obtain the maximum benefit during the 4-6 hour treatment period, we ask that you take the following care when you leave our office.

If possible, wait until the next morning to resume normal hygiene.

Eat a soft food diet during the treatment period.

Avoid hot drinks and products containing alcohol.

A thorough brushing and flossing will easily remove any remaining Cavity Shield. Your teeth will return to the same shine and brightness as before treatment.

In-office treatment of Cavity Shield is $47 per visit.