Can You Fix Tooth Decay
Most people know that a dental cavity creates a hole in the tooth. But many may not realize the cavity was the result of tooth decay happening over time. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to interrupt or even reverse the process before a cavity forms. This article will explain how tooth decay starts and the steps that can be taken to help avoid a child from getting a cavity.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
Hundreds of types of bacteria live on our tongue, gums, and teeth. Some of the bacteria help while others are harmful and contribute to the process of tooth decay. Tooth decay results from an infection with some bacteria types that use the sugars in food to make acid. When a tooth gets exposed to the acid frequently, the tooth enamel loses minerals and over time, the acids wear away the outer layer of tooth enamel to create a cavity.
An early sign of tooth decay is the appearance of a white spot on the tooth where minerals were lost. At this point, it is possible to stop or reverse the tooth decay. The enamel can regenerate itself using minerals in saliva along with from fluoride in toothpaste and other sources. But if not addressed early, the tooth decay continues and more minerals get lost. Once a cavity forms, the damage is permanent and will have to be repaired by a dentist using a filling.
Steps to Avoid or Correct Tooth Decay
- Use flouride: A mineral that helps prevent the progression of tooth decay, fluoride can help reverse or even stop tooth decay if addressed early. Flouride protects the teeth by preventing mineral loss, replacing lost minerals, and reducing the harmful bacteria’s ability to produce acid. Flouride can be obtained by drinking fluoridated water, brushing with fluoride toothpastes, and using fluoride mouth rinses. Dentists can also apply fluoride gel to the tooth surfaces or prescribe fluoride tablets if they believe there is a fluoride deficiency.
- Monitor type and frequency of food child eats: Because bacteria in the mouth use starch and sugars to produce acids, what is eaten and how often it is consumed plays an important role in preventing the formation of cavities. Some good tips are limiting snacks between meals, saving sugar for special occasions, limiting fruit juice, and avoiding sugar around bedtime after the teeth have been brushed.
- Practice sound oral hygiene regimen: Flossing should be done once per day and teeth should be brushed twice per day with a fluoride toothpaste. Children should be supervised until they are able to properly brush unassisted.
- Discuss dental sealants with a dentist: Another option to avoid a cavity is the use of dental sealants. Dental sealants are thin coatings of plastic that are painted on the chewing surfaces of the grooved molars and premolars. Because of the structures of these teeth, food particles and bacteria tend to get stuck in the areas that can be difficult to clean. By covering these surfaces with a sealant, a barrier is formed that can help avoid cavities from forming.
- Routine check-ups: Regular dental cleanings and exams should also be part of any oral hygiene program. During the visit, the hygienist or dentist will remove plaque, check for early signs of tooth decay, demonstrate proper brushing techniques, and apply fluoride if needed.
More on Tooth Decay : Stages of Tooth Decay