Dental cavity trend of development

Dental caries
The tooth decay has lost ground, but it persists despite the significant progress made in the field of prevention. Far from being inevitable, it could simply be eradicated. The example of Sweden leaves us to ponder.

Within pathologies dental caries hold a special place because with the diseases they are a gateway to almost all the subsequent deterioration of the braces. And beyond the teeth as such, the mouth is, as the Dental Association describes the French, "the crossroads of all dangers" it is also an essential anatomical region to food, the expression and seduction. This part of the body is linked to the well-being both physically and mentally.

Zero cavities

Major progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms and thus preventing tooth decay. Today, this disease is a rare chronic infections that could be eradicated.

Consult a dentist every year, even if you no sense of dental problem
Adopt a balanced diet by refusing any form of nibbling. Indeed, bacteria flora of the mouth produce acids. During a meal, they are somewhat harmful, but when snacking, as they feed on sugars we eat, they can destroy the hard tissue of teeth by acid demineralization
A careful and regular brushing: ideally after each meal and at least twice a day. We are not all equal in the face of cavities. Some people are more vulnerable because of a lower quality of their tooth enamel and the presence of crevices (paths). Hence the importance of a thorough and frequent brushing to remove plaque and bacteria it contains.

A successful experience in Sweden

Prevention side, Sweden has succeeded her. As part of the country with a rate higher caries, it is now one of those where the disease is lowest. Why? In 1979, a prevention program has been established for children from birth to age 19. It included support for prophylactic cleaning by professionals and application of fluoride varnish regular intervals depending on the risk of each. In the end, the caries incidence was reduced by 90% in all age groups. Children 12 and adolescents 19 years have seen their faces number of decayed dental decreased by 6 to 0.3 and 23 to 2. With political will and economic, it is possible to effectively combat this disease.

Significant disparities

For fifteen years, tooth decay has lost ground in all developed countries. At least two factors have contributed:

the growing consumption of fluoride toothpaste and adding virtually systematically fluoride in the water or salt

the rising standard of living
results in France: the average number of decayed teeth in children 12 years rose from 4.2 in 1987 to 1.3
However, these figures mask wide disparities. Part of the French population, often destitute, has not benefited from these developments. According to the latest statistics, nearly a third of children 12 years combined 80% caries treatment. So far, few initiatives by the government to convince the poor to seek treatment, have won a success. This is where balance oral free for youth established in 1997. It has drained to the system of care that 5% of young people living in families where one never goes to the dentist.