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Caries ID System
Preventing and catching cavities early on is our goal. At Washington Smiles, we use the caries ID system to enhance your overall oral wellness.


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? How do we determine your risk for tooth decay?

The CariFree® Caries Risk Assessment is a revolutionary cavity management program. It helps us to:

  • assess your risk of developing tooth decay.
  • determine specific behaviors that are contributing to tooth decay.
  • determine any health concerns that are increasing your risk for decay.
  • find out if you have a certain type of bacteria that leads to cavities (we use a painless bacterial test to determine this).

Research shows that patients who participate in the CariFree Caries Risk Assessment program can reduce their risk of decay up to 74%.

How to understand your tooth decay risks

As we mentioned, the CariFree Caries Risk Assessment allows us to assess your risk of developing tooth decay. Here are the different levels of risk and what they mean for you:

  1. Low risk: You have a 23.6% risk of developing new cavities within the next 12 months. Maintain your current oral care routine. Learn about risk factors and let your dentist know if you notice any changes in your oral health.
  2. Moderate risk: You have a 38.6% risk of developing new cavities within the next 12 months, and you have some risk factors. You should modify existing risk factors. If you cannot take medications or your dentist cannot modify the risk factors, consider the Recommended Therapy option.
  3. High risk: You have a 38.6% to 69.3% risk of developing new cavities within the next 12 months, you have some concerning risk factors and disease factors, and you have a disproportionate amount of bad bacteria on your teeth. You should use the antibacterial rinse since you have a high biofilm challenge, and lower your risk as much as possible. If your risk factors are moderate or modifiable, the Provisional Therapy option may work. Restorative dental work may also be necessary.
  4. High/extreme risk: You have an 88% risk of developing new cavities within the next 12 months, you have multiple concerning risk factors, and you have a disproportionate amount of bad bacteria on your teeth. You should lower your risk and consider the Recommended Therapy option. Restorative dental work may also be necessary, as well as modifying all possible risk factors. Even though extreme risk patients have the longest treatment time requiring the most effort, the treatment benefits are worth it!

? How do we rate the effectiveness of anti-cavity products?

To prevent cavities as much as possible, you need the right products. But how do you know which products are the most effective at minimizing your risks of tooth decay? CariFree designed the CTx Guide to assess anti-cavity products based on their contents.

They came up with five recommended treatment components to effectively manage the disease and bacteria that cause cavities.

  1. pH Neutralization: This reduces the acid production and growth of cariogenic bacteria. It also helps to support healthy oral bacteria growth.
  2. Antibacterial: This agent significantly reduces the total bacteria levels, especially when high levels are present.
  3. Fluoride: Fluoride aids in the remineralization efforts and inhibits acid production of cariogenic bacteria.
  4. Xylitol: This reduces the growth and acid production of cariogenic bacteria.
  5. Nano HA (Ca PO4): This agent aids in the remineralization with nano-particles of hydroxyapatite.

Based on your individual risk score, we will determine the right products for you. If you’d like to schedule an appointment to find out your risk score, call Washington Smiles today.