Can you fix tooth decay?
Most of us have heard of – or even had – a cavity at some point in our life. In fact, half of the adult population of the entire world either has had or will have a cavity at some point in their life. And that doesn’t mean that children don’t get cavities – they do! Luckily, there are a number of ways that you can prevent and even reverse tooth decay, if you catch it early enough.
How does tooth decay start?
Tooth decay begins when the bacteria that is present in your mouth begins to interact with the residual sugars left behind by the small particles of food and beverages that coat your teeth after eating and drinking. This interaction results in the production of a form of corrosive acid that can eat away at the hard enamel of your teeth. Over time, this creates an environment in which the enamel is weakened via demineralization (the stripping of calcium from the teeth). Left untreated, bacteria gains entry to the interior of the affected tooth via small chips and breaks in the damaged enamel. This is when a cavity develops; a small pocket of decay that can progress to cause further infection and other problems if left untreated.
What can I do to stop a cavity from forming?
Fortunately, while tooth decay is common it can also be prevented. Here are some steps you can take to prevent tooth decay from beginning and progressing:
Eat a balanced diet free from excessive sugar and starches
One of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal is a diet that is largely free from excess sugars. This means cutting down on soda, candy, pastries, and other sugar-laden foods. It can also help to eat regular meals during the day and avoid constant snacking (as well as acidic or sugary beverage consumption spread out throughout the day) as this creates more infrequent contact between your teeth and the food particles that can damage them over time.
Maintain good oral hygiene
Another strong stance against tooth decay is good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once every day goes a long way towards creating a happy and healthy mouth in which bacteria and sugars have less of a chance of mingling and creating the destructive acids that contribute to tooth decay.
Visit your dentist for further advice and preventative measures
Finally, your dentist has some tried and true tools at his or her disposal to help prevent cavities. Some of these include dental sealants, which are often used to prevent tooth decay in children and adolescents. Sealants are a thin, barely noticeable film that is painted over the back molars, where tooth decay tends to be most prevalent. This is due to the difficulty of removing food from the ridges and fissures of these teeth by inexpert brushers, which is why sealants are often used at these age groups. Another option that can be helpful in preventing or even reversing tooth decay is fluoride treatments. While fluoride is often present in toothpaste, mouth washes, and even your local water supply, it can also be prescribed in the form of tablets, varnishes, or gels applied to the teeth to aid in the remineralization process (i.e. the reproduction of calcium that has been lost during the early stages of tooth decay).
Remember, tooth decay is common but it doesn’t have to be the reality for you. Follow these steps to fend off tooth decay and maintain your regular schedule of dental visits. If tooth decay begins to take root, your dentist can help you diagnose, treat, and even reverse it.