A new study reveals that it is possible to prevent tooth decay from worsening without adding a filling through dental drilling. Australian researchers learned that using a preventative treatment that includes a fluoride substance, and limiting high-sugar snacks and drinks between meals was more effective than the standard "drill and fill" approach.
The study was conducted at the University of Sydney in Australia. Its results were published in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology.
The key is to stop the decay before it forms into a tooth cavity, to prevent fillings. New studies show that tooth decay happens in an average of four to eight years, which is slower than previously believed. It shows that the old theory that tooth decay quickly worsens is untrue.
Researchers' seven-year study included 1,000 volunteer patients at 22 dental clinics. They learned that using a highly concentrated fluoride varnish was more effective than traditional cavity fillings.
Study volunteers who used the preventative medicine method had 30 to 50 percent fewer fillings. The figure was 80 percent for high-risk patients who had been getting up to two fillings each year, according to The Washington Post.
Lead author Wendell Evans explained that the researchers' conclusion was that much dental decay can be ended or prevented by using basic treatments. He explained that in many cases of tooth decay fillings are not required.
Evans and his research team developed a "Caries Management System," which includes a set of procedures. It involves evaluating tooth decay risk and dental X-rays, and treating non-cavity decays, according to Newsmax.
Here's how to help prevent tooth decay: