A Family Dentist Discusses Ways to Reverse Tooth Decay

A Family Dentist Discusses Ways to Reverse Tooth Decay from Family Choice Dental in Albuquerque, NMFilling 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 Albuquerque, NM.

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 Family Choice Dental at 505-634-5657 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.

Recent Posts

Services Offered By A Family Dentist

A family dentist is a dental health professional that can provide services for children, teenagers, and adults. Although their focus is mostly on preventive dentistry, they can treat the large majority of oral care issues. Whether you are searching for a dentist to monitor your child’s dental development or are interested in treatment for yourself,…

How Often You Should See A Kid Friendly Dentist

Taking your child to see a kid friendly dentist is an important part of oral and overall health.  Even though baby teeth will eventually fall out and be replaced by permanent ones, it is still essential to keep them clean and treat them for any issues that develop, even during young childhood. Failure to properly…

Treatment From A Family Dentist For Burning Mouth Syndrome

If you have burning mouth syndrome, your family dentist may be able to offer treatment. The condition has a number of different causes. Your family dentist can diagnose the condition by ruling out other causes of your pain. Read on to learn more about this chronic condition.Burning mouth syndrome is a health problem that causes…

Recent Posts

Things Your Dentist Wants You To Know About Dental Restorations

3 Things Your Dentist Wants You To Know About Dental Restorations

Dental restorations have been used for thousands of years. In fact, a 2012 article published by The New York Times details the discovery of a 6,500-year-old human jawbone. Considered the earliest evidence of dental fillings, it had beeswax in one tooth, which researchers believe was to ease the pain of a crack. These days, restorations…

Dental Bonding From A General Dentist

Dental Bonding From A General Dentist

You might want to consider dental bonding if you have discolored or chipped teeth. The procedure involves applying a natural color resin to one or more teeth. The goal is to improve flaws to give you a better smile. Issues that the dentist can correct could include stains, chips, broken teeth, and cracks. Dental bonding…