The following instructions for home care apply to patients who’s risk assessment has shown a low risk for future tooth decay.
Be Proactive at Home to Maintain this Risk Level
- Continue to brush for two minutes, twice daily with your over-the counter fluoride toothpaste.
- Reduce the amount of sugary and carbohydrate-rich snacks you eat: candy, mints, cookies, juice, soda. Whenever possible, eat foods rich in protein, such as cheese and nuts.
- We will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your oral health, which may include x-rays. Your recommended cleaning frequency is related to your risk for gum disease and will depend on your gum disease risk diagnosis. Your dentist may adjust your individual recommendations based on your specific needs.
Our Intervention Guide
The helpful guide below compares the different treatment recommendations for each tooth decay risk level. You are at the Low Risk level.
Likelihood of Getting a Cavity (by Risk Level)*
- Even patients at low risk for tooth decay have some chance of getting a cavity if they do not follow their treatment recommendations. However, they have the lowest risk of a cavity.
- Patients at moderate risk for tooth decay have 2x the likelihood of getting a cavity compared to patients at low risk.
- Patients at high risk for tooth decay have 3x the likelihood of getting a cavity compared to patients at low risk.
- Patients at extreme risk for tooth decay have 4x the likelihood of getting a cavity compared to patients at low risk.
*Domejean, White, and Featherstone, California Dental Association Journal, October 2011.
