Filling cavities is one of many services that a family dentist provides. Cavities are holes in teeth that occur due to tooth decay. However, if the decay is caught early, it may be possible to reverse it before a cavity forms. Understanding how and why tooth decay happens may make it easier to learn how to prevent or reverse it.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay happens because of acid in the mouth. The human mouth contains hundreds of bacteria. When people consume foods that include carbohydrates and sugars, these foods react with the bacteria to produce acid. The acid coats the teeth with a sticky film called plaque.
Over time, exposure to the acid breaks down the minerals in the tooth. This causes the tooth's surface to become weaker. A family dentist can identify tooth decay with an examination and X-rays. The dentist can also determine how far the decay is advanced. If it is still in the early stages, the dentist may recommend lifestyle changes to prevent the decay from progressing further and causing a cavity.
How Can Tooth Decay Be Reversed?
Making changes in diet or oral hygiene may prove helpful. The following methods have been effective in some cases.
Food and drink
Patients should avoid consuming any food or drink that could promote tooth decay. This includes foods that contain carbohydrates and natural or manmade acids and sugars. Instead, patients should choose helpful foods. Items with naturally occurring probiotics may help control harmful bacteria. Patients should also choose foods that contain vitamins and minerals used to build teeth. Taking supplements of calcium, iron, magnesium and vitamin D may also be useful.
There are two schools of thought about drinking coffee. Some think it should be avoided because it can upset the pH balance in the mouth and promote acid formation. However, others believe that it has helpful antibacterial properties. Individuals looking for a caffeine substitute may wish to try green tea, while those who choose to drink coffee should take it black.
Instead of drinking sugary sodas or juices, patients should drink water instead. Its pH balance neutralizes the acid. It is better to drink tap water than bottled water because the former is fortified with fluoride. Although bottled water may contain fluoride too, it usually is not in sufficient quantities to help with tooth decay.
Hygiene
Since it is a mineral, fluoride helps to build up teeth and protect them from decay. In addition to drinking fluoridated water, patients can help reverse tooth decay by brushing teeth with a toothpaste containing fluoride. A family dentist can also perform fluoride treatments during a routine dental appointment by applying it directly to the teeth in the form of varnish or gel.
To prevent and possibly reverse tooth decay, patients should brush for two minutes at a time twice a day. They should floss at least once a day. Some dentists recommend the use of mouthwash due to its antibacterial properties.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Family Dentist in Long Grove, IL.
Conclusion
These methods may be effective at reversing tooth decay that has not progressed significantly. However, once a cavity forms, it is too late. The patient then requires a filling from a family dentist.
Request an appointment or call Long Grove Dental at 847-636-5020 for an appointment in our Long Grove office.
Recent Posts
Wondering whether a family dentist has any tips or tricks to get your child to brush their teeth? As a parent, it can be extremely difficult to get children to brush their teeth regularly. Thankfully, with the help of a family dentist, children can adopt new brushing habits to ensure that they maintain good oral…
Wanting to learn ways to protect your tooth enamel? While the enamel on your teeth is the strongest substance in your entire body, it can wear away over time. When the enamel on your teeth begins to wear away, your teeth are no longer fully protected from the decay that can cause cavities. Since your…
How do family dentists feel about chewing gum? You will probably find packets of gums in the checkout area of convenience stores, grocery stores, drugstores and gas stations. Although sugar-free gum is the most common option available, the myths of chewing gum might confuse you.Sometimes the gum is advertised as a dental aid, and you…