Can You Fix Tooth Decay?
You probably already know that a cavity is when a hole develops in the tooth. But did you know that a cavity is the result of tooth decay? The good news, is that tooth decay happens over time and you can interrupt and even reverse this process to avoid future cavities. Here is more information about how you can fix tooth decay and how the process can be stopped or even reversed to keep you from future getting cavities.
The Tooth Decay Process
Our mouths are full of bacteria, and some of this bacteria is helpful and some is harmful. This harmful bacteria play a roles in the tooth decay process. Tooth decay is caused by a combination of bacteria and acids that can make a cavity in the tooth. These acids eat away at the enamel, or the tooth's hard outer surface. When a tooth is regularly exposed to acid, over time the acid will cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals and decay. Enamel can repair itself by using minerals from saliva, and fluoride from toothpaste or other sources. But this repair has to happen more than the acid attacks and wears away the enamel. Over time, if the enamel is not repaired, it will weaken forming a cavity. A cavity is permanent damage that a dentist has to repair with a filling.
Tooth Decay Treatment and Reversal Options
There are many different easy and low cost treatment options that can help to fix tooth decay, including:
- Fluoride: Fluoride is a mineral that can help prevent or reverse tooth decay from progressing. Fluoride works by preventing mineral loss in the tooth enamel, replacing lost minerals, and reducing the power of bacteria to make acid. Approximately 74% of Americans get fluoride treatments regularly through drinking fluoridated water from a community water supply. Another low-cost source is brushing with fluoride toothpaste. If your dentist thinks you need more fluoride, they may apply a fluoride gel or varnish to tooth surfaces, prescribe fluoride tablets, or use mouth rinse. If you only drink bottled water you may not be getting enough fluoride.
- Diet: Your diet is important in preventing future cavities. Everything we eat or drink contains sugar or starches, which can be turned into acid that attacks the teeth. Minimizing candy, cookies, soda, and other sugary drinks like fruit juices can help to minimize dangerous bacteria and acids. Avoid eating or drinking anything with sugar after you brush your teeth at night.
- Daily brushing: Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is a big step toward preventing cavities.
- Dental sealants: Dental sealants are another approach to fixing tooth decay. Sealants are a plastic coating that a dentist can paint onto the surfaces of the back teeth, or molars. The back teeth have small pits and grooves where food and bacteria can get stuck. This food and bacteria can be difficult to get rid of, even with regular brushing. Sealants can cover these surfaces and form a barrier to protect the teeth and prevent food and bacteria from getting trapped.
- Regular dental check-ups. Maintain your regular dental visits for cleanings and an examination. These check-ups will help identify early tooth decay and take any steps necessary to prevent and reverse the tooth decay process.
More on Tooth Decay : Symptoms of Tooth Decay