The Tooth Decay Process: How to Reverse it and Avoid a Cavity

Can You Reverse Cavities or Avoid Them and What is Tooth Decay?

Good oral hygiene is required to stop a cavity dead in its tracks and combat tooth decay. Bacteria and plaque can cause many problems in your mouth and eventually wear down the enamel of your teeth.

You need to develop good dental habits from an early age. It would help if you learned how to brush your teeth properly and floss correctly.

Request that your dentist demonstrate the proper way to floss so you can avoid cavities. Sometimes, you can outsmart cavities with a bit of effort and have a winning smile. Reading this article will help you learn about the tooth decay process and reverse it and avoid a cavity.

How Can I Reverse a Cavity?

Your dentist may be able to help reverse a cavity if it is caught early and treated adequately. You should take extra care of your teeth. This care includes brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once a day.

Fluoride exposure is significant during this process, as it fortifies the enamel of your teeth. However, cavities are not always preventable, and depending on how far along the tooth decay has progressed will show what treatment is needed.  There are some excellent options for treating a cavity. These include:

Fillings

The dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth and fill the area. Filling materials are also used to fix cracked, broken teeth or teeth that have been worn down.

Crowns

A crown restores a highly damaged tooth. It offers protection for the visible surfaces of the tooth.

Extractions

A tooth extraction remedies cavities by eliminating the tooth from the mouth. An extraction is the last resort for treating cavities.

Inlays or Onlays

An inlay or onlay is sometimes used when the cavity is too large for just a filling. The purpose of the inlay or onlay is to increase the strength of the tooth. Instead of a crown, where much of the tooth is sacrificed, these items are used

Root Canal

A root canal treats a cavity that has expanded to the inside part of the root. The decay is ground away, along with root removal, and then filled with a root canal filling.

How Can I Avoid Cavities?

A cavity develops when you eat too many sugars and starches. The acid in the food has an impact on the tooth. White spots may be found, signaling early tooth decay, which at this point can be reversed.

If the cavity is left untreated, the enamel becomes weak and damaged. A cavity can form from the damage, and your dentist will need to treat it with a filling. The following are all great ways to fight against cavities:

Use Fluoride When You Brush and Rinse

You can get fluoride from drinking water. You should be drinking up to eight glasses of water a day and more if you are active. You do not get fluoride from bottled water, which is added to tap water. You can brush with fluoride toothpaste. Mouth rinse with fluoride is also an option.

Do not Consume Excess Sugar

Bacteria feed on the processed sugars found in foods such as:

• Soda
• Candy
• Baked goods
• Orange juice

Sugary foods are a significant cause of tooth decay. When sugar breaks down, acid is produced. The acid dissolves on the tooth’s surface, which causes tooth decay.

Even if you have a strict dental routine and brush your teeth religiously and floss every night, these foods can cause serious dental problems, such as cavities or gum disease.

 Take Care of Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth is imperative for winning the fight against cavities. You should brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Brush your teeth thoroughly from the front, top, and back.

Daily flossing is a must to remove debris from between the teeth. If you leave food stuck between your teeth every day, it can easily lead to plaque and eventually even cavities. There are some terrific instruments you can use to floss your teeth.

There are special flossing picks you can get at the drugstore that will help you floss the teeth that are way in the back, which is an area that is notorious for being difficult to reach.

Below is a chart with examples of teeth-cleaning products you can get to make sure your smile is perfect!

The above chart features different products ideal for keeping your mouth clean and healthy. As you can see above, you need various tools to help combat cavities when it comes to your dental health.

Conclusion

Cavities can either be prevented or treated with persistence and dedication. You must commit to taking good care of your teeth, and if a problem does occur, make sure you contact your dentist.

To learn more about tooth cavities and how to inverse them, call First Dental at (617)623-8489 or (781) 395-0300 or contact us here.