Can You Fix Tooth Decay?
A cavity occurs from the presence of a hole in your tooth. Cavities are also the result of tooth decay which can occur over a longer period of time. Cavities can be stopped or even reversed with early and timely intervention.
This article will review how tooth decay begins and solutions for stopping or in some cases, reversing the effects.
Our mouths contain hundreds of different types of bacteria which reside on our teeth, gums, tongue and throughout our mouths. Some types of bacteria are helpful, while other forms can be harmful. Harmful bacteria plays a critical role in the development and progression of tooth decay.
Tooth decay can occur from an infection with certain types of bacteria. These bacteria use the sugar found in various food to produce acids. These acids, in turn, can form a cavity on the surface of the tooth over time.
Each day, a battle occurs inside our mouths. One side of the battle represents the dental plaque which is a colorless, sticky film of bacteria. Additionally, there are various food and drinks we consume which contain high levels of sugar and starch. This can include things such as milk, sweets, candy, and soda. When we consume products which contain high levels of sugar or starch, the bacteria uses this to produce a harmful and destructive acid. These acids slowly eat away at the hard outer surface or enamel on the tooth.
On the other side of the battle is the minerals which are found in our saliva. This includes minerals such as calcium and phosphate. This is combined with fluoride which we may receive from toothpaste, drinking water and other possible sources. These minerals provide the enamel the ability to repair itself by replacing the minerals which are lost from the ongoing acidic decay.
Throughout the day, out teeth go through a continual process of losing and regaining minerals, which is perfectly normal.
When you consume foods or drinks which contain high levels of sugar and starch and the teeth are exposed to acid, the enamel loses minerals. The area where minerals have been lost will often appear as a white spot and is one of the beginning signs of a decayed tooth.
In this stage, tooth decay can be halted or even reversed in some cases. The enamel is able to self-repair through the minerals from the saliva, and from the fluoride in toothpaste or water. However, if the decay process is able to continue, additional minerals will be lost. The enamel weakens over time and is destroyed. This ultimately allows the formation of a cavity. A cavity is considered a permanent damage which requires treatment from a dentist and typically requires a filling.
Fluoride is a mineral which can aid in preventing tooth decay from developing into a cavity. For some patients, fluoride can reverse or even eliminate early tooth decay altogether. Fluoride helps to protect the teeth by the following:
- Prevention of the mineral loss in the enamel of the tooth
- Replacing minerals which have been destroyed
- Reduction of the ability for bacteria to create acid
Some of the most common ways patients can get fluoride are by:
- Drinking fluoridated water
- Nearly 75% of Americans who receive their water from a community supply system have fluoridated water
- Brush your teeth with a toothpaste which contains fluoride
When your dentist recommends additional fluoride for your children to help in protecting their teeth, this will likely be administered in one of the following methods:
- Applying a fluoride gel or varnish to the tooth’s surface
- Prescription fluoride tablets
- Using a fluoride mouth rinse
More Tooth Decay : What Causes Tooth Decay?