Adult caries Diagnosis: Basic dental examination and caries assessment test

Caries - Diagnosis

What does the Caries Assessment Test comprise?

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.

Every individual will have a different predisposition 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

These tests are quick and painless and will help in identifying the factors predisposing you to caries disease.

With these results, a preventive strategy tailored to your needs will be designed. The strategy will include:

Modification to lifestyle and/or prescription of safe therapeutics for home use
Introducing a tooth brushing method tailor-made for you
Incorporating calcium- and fluoride-based remineralisation therapies, such as putting concentrated fluoride 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 CAT?

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?
Does your mouth feel dry?

If you experience any of the above, understanding your risk for caries is half the battle won. The best results are achieved when patients are committed to following 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 your dentist improves tremendously the chances of it NOT becoming an irreversible disease in your life.