Sometimes we notice certain things when it’s too late. On a bright shiny day, you may discover one of your pearly whites isn’t pristine anymore but affected by cunning cavities. Can it be undone? Is it possible to reverse tooth decay by vigorous oral care or DIY and professional remedies? Let’s unveil the myths behind reversing cavities and explore the scientific approach to tooth decay to understand whether that nasty colored spot on your tooth can go for good.
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What Is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is a condition caused by the germs coming from your saliva, which produce acids that attack tooth enamel. It manifests in the form of tiny holes in the tooth surface. If left untreated, tooth decay can gradually damage your teeth. It can result in pain, infection, and occasional tooth loss.
The symptoms of tooth decay include:
- tooth sensitivity;
- toothache;
- black, brown, or white spots on tooth enamel;
- pain while chewing;
- red and swollen gums adjacent to the affected tooth.
No one is safeguarded from tooth decay: once you have teeth, cavities can catch up with you, regardless of age.
Common Myths About Reversing Cavities
We all want to believe the best, especially when it is related to health issues. However, as Irish-born scholar and novelist C. S. Lewis said, “Miracles do not, in fact, break the laws of nature.” It’s crucial to know common myths related to reversing cavities to understand when you need to step in and take action.
- Myth 1: Natural remedies can undo cavities. Though natural remedies such as herbal rinses, oil pulling, or tooth-friendly diets can promote your oral health, they can’t regrow the lost enamel.
- Myth 2: Less attention=no tooth decay. Some people treat cavities like pimples on their skin, thinking that the wise body will take care of itself and eventually heal the discolored spot on the tooth surface. This encourages them to avoid dental visits. Alas! Such a lighthearted approach can lead to exorbitant tooth damage, which is challenging to reverse even with professional intervention.
Now that you know the leading cavities-related misconceptions, let’s focus on more credible data.
What Science Says: Can Early Decay Be Stopped or Reversed?
The human body can’t regenerate lost tooth enamel, but proper dental care and treatments can help you halt or reverse the early stages of cavities. Here’s what you can do during the first stage of tooth decay:
- Try fluoride treatment. Fluoride efficiently remineralizes the enamel and strengthens teeth, promoting their resilience to acid attacks.
- Thorough oral hygiene. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly to let enamel remineralize and prevent further decay.
- Adjust your diet. Avoid the consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks to protect tooth enamel from further erosion.
Remineralization: How to Strengthen Enamel
In the earliest stage of cavities, tooth enamel becomes weak and soft, but you can remineralize it to some extent:
- Drink fluoridated tap water during the day.
- Meticulously remove plaque with fluoride-rich oral hygiene products on a daily basis.
- Get protective dental sealants over deep tooth grooves.
- Enrich your diet with fresh fruits and vegetables and sharp cheddar cheese.
- Give up acidic and sugary drinks.
- Chew sugar-free gum after meals.
- Eat foods high in vitamin D and calcium or take specialized supplements.
Remember: all these practices are effective only till the cavity penetrates the dentin.
When a Cavity Requires Dental Treatment
A dental treatment that handles tooth decay depends on the case severity, which is determined during a professional examination. Your doctor may offer:
- Fillings. A composite or resin filling may be effective for light cavities.
- Inlays or onlays. When a normal filling can’t cope with a large cavity, inlays or onlays are applied.
- Crowns. A porcelain or metal crown is indispensable if a cavity affects a larger tooth portion.
- Root canals. This treatment is for damaged or infected pulp.
- Extractions. When the tooth decay has gone too far and can’t be treated, you might need a tooth extraction.
Promptness Increases Chances to Save Your Teeth
Tooth decay can be halted or reversed but only in the early stages. Enhanced oral hygiene and fluoride treatments can help remineralize tooth enamel and postpone cavities progression. When the tooth surface is largely damaged, the body can’t heal it, which requires professional intervention to restore the tooth.
Regardless of your case severity, a skilled dentist in Forest Hills, Queens can examine a tooth in need and provide professional recommendations and treatment that will benefit your oral health. As with any other illness, the rule of thumb is: the sooner the better.