Carifree - Stops tooth decay

By: Yvonne Poole - Appledore Dental Clinic

Appledore Clinic is one of the first dental clinics in the UK to make Carifree easily available to their patients. This revolutionary new treatment can be used to prevent dental decay and most amazingly to STOP active dental decay.

For years we have been treating dental decay by cutting out the decayed bits of your teeth and placing fillings, and many people have found that every time they visit their dentist they need yet more fillings.

Scientific research has shown that those people who continually need new fillings have a lot of acid producing and acid loving bacteria in their mouths that cause the damage. The bacterial infection causing decay is called 'Caries'.

A leading American dentist, Dr Kim Kutsch, thought that if we could change the bacteria in the mouth we could cure caries and reduce decay. Over a number of years work he has formulated this revolutionary treatment and has also created a test to measure the bacterial activity in your mouth. When you attend for your check up, we can offer you this test to check your decay (Caries) susceptibility. This along with a risk assessment will show you whether you are high, medium or low risk.

After that you would have a review with our hygienist who would take a new measurement of bacterial activity. You can then continue on the maintenance rinse to keep your teeth caries free. Obviously any existing cavities would need to be fixed, but you would know that they would be long lasting restorations. The costs for this new treatment are considerably less than the ongoing costs for replacement fillings, root canal treatments, crowns and implants.

The cost of the Carifree assessment is £38.50. You will need to book a 10 minute appointment with one of the dentists or hygienists. Prior to your appointment you will have a questionnaire to fill in. The treatment kit for approximately 3 months in total is £92.40, and the maintenance pack for approx 3 months is £67.20.

We highly recommend the maintenance pack for anyone undergoing orthodontic treatment including fixed braces and Invisalign. We also recommend it for anyone with a dry mouth, as we know that patients with dry mouths often have more decay, as the reduced saliva flow means that debris and bacteria are not washed away.