Most of us will suffer a cavity at least once in our lives. These early stages of tooth decay occur when natural oral bacteria eat a hole in our tooth enamel. Weakened dental structure makes us vulnerable to tooth decay.
But a dentist can spot early signs of decay before we form a cavity. So if you develop decay, you can take action to reverse it before it progresses into a cavity that will require intervention from a dentist to eradicate.
You will need to continue good at-home habits to promote good oral health, but you can engage in extra steps to beat back tooth decay. Read on to learn three ways that you can stop tooth decay, prevent cavities, and preserve your smile.
Cut Acidic Substances from Your Diet
One of the primary ways people may weaken or thin their enamel is through the foods and drinks they consume. Acidic substances in these foods will erode the enamel as you eat them. And once gone, enamel does not regenerate, leaving behind weak spots where bacteria can wreak havoc.
So you may want to pay attention to your diet to make sure you do not eat too many of these types of foods that could seriously hurt your teeth. Citrus fruits and juices have high acidity levels. And sugar turns acidic when it reacts with your saliva, hence its reputation for harming your smile.
Tobacco products also contain acid that could eat away at your dental structure. So steer clear of smoking and chewing these items. You can talk to your dentist about nutrition and food items that could both help and harm your oral health.
Practice Proper Oral Hygiene
Oral bacteria form a film over your teeth throughout the day called plaque. Plaque will eat away at your teeth if you do not remove it from your smile in a timely fashion, which is why we practice oral hygiene.
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing each day will get rid of harmful plaque before it significantly weakens your teeth. If you skip this oral hygiene regimen, plaque has time to hurt your smile and make it at risk of cavities and other dental dangers.
So make sure you stay consistent with at-home oral health care. Use thorough and purposeful techniques as you clean your teeth as well. And visit your dentist for regular teeth cleanings too to maximize oral hygiene.
Consider Fluoride Treatment
Your dentist can provide preventative dental care in their office to help you reverse tooth decay before it seriously hurts your smile. One method a dentist may suggest is fluoride treatment.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that absorbs into teeth when you consume it and strengthens the enamel. This can make the teeth better able to resist cavities.
Tooth Decay FAQs
Is it possible to reverse decay between teeth?
Early decay between teeth, limited to the enamel, can often be reversed with good oral hygiene and fluoride treatments. Once decay breaks through the enamel into the deeper tooth layers, a filling will repair the damage. Regular flossing and professional cleanings help prevent decay from starting between teeth.
Does cutting down on sugary snacks reverse decay?
Reducing sugary snacks doesn’t reverse decay but helps stop its progression. Decay-causing bacteria feed on sugars, producing acids that weaken enamel. Limiting sugary intake allows remineralization efforts to be more effective.
Can professional fluoride treatments reverse more advanced tooth decay?
Fluoride treatments can help strengthen enamel and stop the progression of more advanced tooth decay, but they cannot fully reverse decay once a cavity has formed. These treatments are most effective at repairing early-stage enamel damage. If the decay has reached deeper layers, restorative procedures like fillings may be necessary.
What role does saliva play in reversing tooth decay?
Saliva is vital in reversing tooth decay. It neutralizes acids and supplies minerals like calcium and phosphate needed to rebuild enamel. It also washes away food particles and bacteria that contribute to decay. Maintaining hydration and stimulating saliva through sugar-free gum can enhance its protective effects.
How effective are over-the-counter fluoride products in reversing tooth decay?
Over-the-counter fluoride products, like toothpaste and mouthwash, are effective at preventing and repairing early-stage tooth decay. However, their fluoride concentration is lower than that of professional treatments, so they are best used as part of a daily routine. For more advanced cases, professional-grade fluoride is more effective.
Can professional treatments like dental sealants help in reversing tooth decay?
Dental sealants can’t reverse decay but can prevent further damage by sealing off grooves and crevices where bacteria thrive. They’re especially useful for protecting molars from decay and stopping the progression of early-stage enamel damage. Dentists often recommend sealants for children and those at higher risk for cavities.
What role do probiotics play in reversing tooth decay?
Probiotics can support oral health by promoting a balance of beneficial bacteria in the mouth. These good bacteria may help reduce harmful bacteria that contribute to decay. While they don’t directly reverse decay, they can create a healthier environment for enamel remineralization when combined with proper oral hygiene and fluoride use.
So a dentist can apply a fluoride gel, paste, or rinse to the teeth in their office which will protect your teeth against decay. Ask your dentist about this treatment and more preventive dentistry at your next appointment.