Expert: Steven C. Scherr, D.D.S. - 2/27/2006

Question
Hello! Question. Im a healthy 38 yr old male. I go to the denstist every 6 months for check up and and cleaning. Problem is I keep getting these cavities.
I have a total of ten fillings in my mouth.

I brush twice a day, floss once a day, use mouthwash, and use a flouride rinse at night.

Couple of things:
I looked at my diet....I am semi-vegetarian(meaning I eat many whole grains and very little meat) I do eat fruits, breads, and vegetables. I eat very little candy, cakes, and fruit juices. Could this whole grain diet cause the decay?

I also looked at genetics. I talked to my parents and they all have fillings in their teeth but nobody has lost their teeth in our family.

So what could be causing all these fillings? I dont want to lose my teeth.

Also, whats the difference between Sodium Monofluorophosphate and Sodium Fluoride?

Todd

Answer
Todd,

You are already doing many things right.  The susceptibility to decay is determined by the number and aggressiveness of the bacteria present, and the strength of one's natural body resistance to decay.  The latter is related to heredity in part, but also is related to other factors (including diet, the presence of other disorders, the quality of the saliva, the quantity of saliva, anatomy of the teeth).

I have never seen how you brush and floss.  So I have no way of knowing if your technique is effective or not.  I can tell you that ineffective technique is most often a major contributor to recurring tooth decay.  I have seen many people who spend a great deal of time cleaning their teeth every day who none-the-less do not get the bacterial plaque off.  I suggest you show your hygienist or dentist how you brush and floss and see if they have any constructive suggestions.

Nutrition is important.  Highly refined carbohydrates and sugars (of all types, not just table sugar) are a significant contributor to tooth decay.  There is nothing about eating whole grains that would in-and-of-itself increase susceptibility.

There are also anatomic considerations.  Teeth form from multiple lobes that fuse together before the tooth is ready to erupt into the mouth during childhood.  This fusion process is sometimes incomplete, leaving the grooves of some teeth more susceptible to decay.

The fluoride ion reacts with the tooth surface to make it more resistant to decay.  The fluoride ion must be bound temporarily to another substance in order for it to be stable for use in toothpaste or mouthrinses.  MFP and sodium fluoride are different chemical substances that contain the fluoride ion.  They are considered equivalent in their ability to resist tooth decay.

Todd, best wishes.

Steve