Cavity Prevention Program

A smarter way to prevent cavities

For most of dental history, the approach to cavities has been reactive: wait for a cavity to form, then drill and fill it. Our Cavity Prevention Program takes a different approach. By identifying the specific factors that put each patient at risk for cavities — and addressing those factors before damage occurs — we can dramatically reduce or even reverse early decay.

How the program works — risk-based prevention

Our Cavity Prevention Program is built around a clinical approach called Caries Management By Risk Assessment (CAMBRA). The idea is simple: not every patient has the same cavity risk, so the same generic preventative advice doesn't work for everyone.

It involves three steps:

Step 1: Risk assessment. We evaluate your individual cavity risk based on factors like recent cavities, diet, oral hygiene habits, medications that affect saliva, medical conditions, and the bacterial chemistry of your mouth.

Step 2: Chairside testing. When appropriate, we measure the acidity (pH) and bacterial activity in your mouth right in our office, giving us objective data about the conditions that drive decay.

Step 3: Personalized prevention plan. Based on your specific risk factors and test results, we recommend a targeted prevention plan that may include prescription-strength fluoride, remineralizing products, dietary guidance, sealants, and a tailored cleaning schedule.

Why pH and minerals matter

Cavities form when acid from bacteria dissolves the mineral content of tooth enamel. The acid is produced when bacteria feed on sugars and carbohydrates. By keeping the pH of your mouth in a healthy neutral range and supporting remineralization, you can prevent the conditions that allow cavities to form.

Who benefits most

The Cavity Prevention Program is particularly valuable for patients who:

• Have a history of frequent cavities despite good oral hygiene
• Have dry mouth from medications or medical conditions
• Have orthodontic appliances making oral hygiene more challenging
• Have recently completed major dental work and want to protect their investment
• Are at higher genetic risk for cavities

Even patients at low cavity risk benefit from a personalized prevention plan — and the risk-based approach means we can confirm your low-risk status with objective evaluation rather than guesswork.

Ask us at your next visit

A cavity-risk evaluation is included in your regular checkups at Lakeview Family Dentistry. If you'd like to learn more, ask any of our doctors or hygienists at your next visit. We're happy to explain how it works and whether it might be valuable for you.