Tooth Decay: How to Reverse It and Avoid a Cavity

Young Woman Having Check Up And Dental Exam At Dentist​​​​​​​
  • By Courthouse Art of Dentistry
  • February 29, 2020

    • Tooth decay is responsible for cavities, which are painful holes in your teeth. The good news is that you can reverse tooth decay before it causes your teeth to form cavities. The right oral care and diet can go a long way toward fighting cavities in your teeth.

     

    About Cavities

    Food and bacteria can cause teeth to decay. This layer can build up between your teeth and in the grooves and pits in your teeth. If you have broken or chipped fillings, you may also have bacteria building up. Over time, your tooth decay can reach the inner layer of your tooth, which is called the dentin. This is when a cavity begins to develop.

     

    Oral Care

    Reversing tooth decay begins with the right oral hygiene at home. For example, you will want to brush your teeth twice a day. Make sure that you do this for at least two minutes and use circular motions. You want to brush up to the gumline, but you don’t want to brush so hard that you cause the gums to erode.

    You should also floss once a day at the minimum. Brushing doesn’t remove all of the food particles from between your teeth. It is best to floss before brushing because it can loosen particles part of the way. Brushing can remove them the rest of the way. When flossing, you should move the floss around each tooth. Your dentist can show you the right way to use your floss.

    A mouthwash can also help reverse and prevent tooth decay. Your dentist can give you a recommendation about the right type of mouthwash to use. For example, a fluoride mouthwash can help strengthen your teeth. An antibacterial mouthwash will help to kill harmful bacteria in your mouth.

     

    Taking Vitamin D

    One review from 2013 showed that taking vitamin D could help to reduce dental cavities. The study found that the vitamin has a mineralizing effect. This helps the enamel on the teeth to become stronger.

     

    Having the Right Diet

    Eating sugary foods is one of the top reasons for cavities. Sugar only feeds the bacteria in the mouth, creating an acid that wears down your tooth enamel. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), you can avoid cavities by cutting down on sugary foods and beverages.

    Some foods promote dental health. For example, fibrous foods such as celery can help clean between your teeth. Eating foods high in calcium, such as dairy, can give your teeth needed minerals. Phosphorous is found in lean meat, eggs, and fish. It can promote stronger teeth.

     

    Not all cavities cause pain. This is why it is so important to get regular dental visits. You can get X-rays that will help your dentist spot any early decay.

    If you are worried about the health of your teeth, you should seek help from a dentist. Contact our team at Courthouse Art of Dentistry office in Arlington, VA, at 703-260-9600 today for an examination of your teeth.