Cavities are a chronic, degenerative disease that develop through an initial process of demineralization of the hard tissues of the teeth: enamel, dentin, and cementum.
Causes
The main culprits behind cavities are the bacteria present in dental plaque. Food residues in the mouth promote the growth of acid-producing bacteria within the plaque, which lower the pH and trigger cavity formation.
In particular, the formation of dental cavities as a result of the activity of these bacteria occurs through a two-stage process.
- Stage One: Bacteria in the plaque metabolize carbohydrates through fermentation, producing acids.
- Stage Two: These acids demineralize the enamel, dentin, and/or cementum, creating a lesion or cavity in the crown or root of the tooth.
One of the primary bacteria responsible for cavities is Streptococcus mutans. This bacterium can produce glucans and fructans from fermentable sugars, particularly sucrose, which help bacteria adhere to tooth surfaces.
Plaque containing high amounts of Streptococcus mutans is highly cariogenic because it rapidly metabolizes sugars, lowering the pH below the critical value of 5.5.
The Importance of Saliva
Saliva is the mechanism through which the oral cavity defends itself against acid attacks caused by the fermentation of sugars by oral bacteria.
In particular, saliva has a buffering capacity through the secretion of bicarbonate, which helps limit, as much as possible, the drop in pH on the tooth surfaces.
If saliva’s buffering capacity is insufficient, the pH of dental plaque can drop from the normal range of 6-6.5 to 4-5. When the pH falls below 5.5, enamel begins to dissolve, and prolonged or repeated exposure can lead to enamel demineralization.
The pH drop in the acidic range also occurs whenever we consume food or drinks. In a healthy mouth, it takes about forty minutes for saliva’s buffering effect to restore the pH to normal levels.
Therefore, prolonged and repeated drops in pH throughout the day can lead to enamel demineralization and dental erosion.
Dental erosion refers to the loss of hard tooth tissue caused by the chemical dissolution of its mineral content due to intrinsic or extrinsic acids.
Intrinsic factors include conditions that cause stomach acids to flow into the oral cavity, while extrinsic factors are related to the frequent consumption of highly acidic foods or drinks, such as soft drinks, energy drinks, citrus fruits, and fruit juices.
Prevention
Cariex® is an oral spray whose active ingredient is bicarbonate, the natural buffer in saliva.
This mucoadhesive spray adheres to the mucous membranes and gradually releases bicarbonate, maintaining a safe salivary pH for over 40 minutes.
Data from a study conducted by the University of Insubria in Varese confirm that Cariex® can serve as a useful preventive tool to reduce the loss of mineral tissue caused by acid activity on tooth surfaces.
A study from the University of Insubria in Varese highlights the innovative features of a new product called Cariex®, whose active ingredient is bicarbonate, the natural buffer of saliva.
It is a preventive tool that can be used by anyone, at any age, and at any time of the day – making it ideal to carry in a bag or backpack. It combines versatility and affordability in a product based on bicarbonate and xylitol, ensuring optimal control of salivary pH after consuming meals, snacks, or drinks.
Cariex® is a product with no contraindications or side effects. It can be a valuable aid in preventing cavities, even in school-age children, especially when proper oral hygiene is difficult to maintain. It can be used repeatedly throughout the day.