Ask the Dentist with Dr. Mark Burhenne

Episode #87: What is the important equilibrium that is active in your mouth after every meal?

May 22, 2023

37:30

Our Instagram page has seen a recent influx of questions about cavities, so today; Dr. B answers some of those questions to help you gain a better understanding of how cavities are formed and what you can do to prevent them. It seems that dentistry is caught in a tunnel-vision cycle of cavity re-restoration, but to end this cycle, we need to first understand that cavities are an ongoing disease process and also still the world’s number one disease. After laying out the differences between demineralization and remineralization, Dr. B explains the Stephan Curve and how it gives us a better understanding of how cavities are formed. We also learn more about critical PH, how long it takes for a cavity to form, why remineralization is slower than demineralization, and the ever-present importance of saliva. Dr. B wraps up this episode by explaining why he chose this topic and offering some useful tips on how to both treat and prevent cavity formations.

Key Points From This Episode:

Dr. B answers a series of questions from Instagram about cavities [00:18]
A quick look at the history of dentistry and fixing cavities [01:34]
The tunnel-vision cycle of re-restoration [02:38]
Why it’s important to understand that cavities are a disease process [03:20]
Understanding the equilibrium of demineralization and remineralization [04:54]
The ins and outs of the Stephan Curve as an explanation of how cavities form [06:28]
Diving deeper into demineralization: the beginning of the formation of a cavity [12:54]
The tipping point of critical PH [18:01]
How long it takes for a cavity to form [19:18]
Exploring the enamel remineralization process [20:42]
How remineralization is a slower process than demineralization [22:58]
The importance of saliva quantity and quality in cavity prevention [25:00]
How fluoride helps facilitate remineralization and other ways to achieve equilibrium [26:15]
The way saliva promotes remineralization through proteins [29:32]
Recapping everything Dr. B has discussed today and why he chose this topic [31:40]