Treating Tooth Decay Effectively
Drilling and filling cavities is not an effective solution for treating tooth decay. It’s like using a knife to treat an infection – you have to keep cutting more and more, leading to a cycle of repeated fillings. If filling solved the problem, why do we need to do it again and again?
The Root Cause: Streptococcus Mutans
Tooth decay is caused by a bacterial infection called Streptococcus mutans. It’s a germ that spreads from person to person, often from mothers, grandmothers, or caregivers to children around age two. All the germs in a baby’s body initially come from the mother.
Detecting and Eliminating the Bacteria
- 🧪 To detect the presence of Streptococcus mutans, children can spit into a tube at kindergarten or preschool. If the tube turns purple, it indicates the presence of the bacteria.
- 💊 If a child tests positive, the mother or caregiver should brush the child’s teeth with iodine or other antimicrobial agents to kill the bacteria.
- 📝 Repeat the test until the tube no longer turns purple, indicating the bacteria has been eliminated.
Approximately one out of five children will test positive for Streptococcus mutans. This bacteria is not necessary, and getting rid of it can prevent tooth decay and the need for repeated fillings.
