Can you fix tooth decay?

Hundreds of different types of bacteria live inside our mouths and some of them can be harmful to tooth health. Tooth decay is the result of those harmful bacterias using sugars in the food and beverages we consume to create an acid that over time, can create a cavity. Decay is a common problem but your dentist has a number of treatment options to restore your mouth to an optimal state of health!

What causes cavities?

The sugars and starches in the foods and beverages we consume can cause tooth enamel to lose minerals and over time, enamel will begin to wear away and cause a small cavity. Early demineralization in a tooth may present as a white spot on the tooth surface and may be able to be stopped or even reversed simply by a change in diet and incorporating fluoride products in your oral care routine. If decay is not caught and tended to in its early stage, a cavity can form which will require treatment by your dentist.

What treatments are used to fix a cavity?

If you visit your dentist regularly and they are able to catch a cavity early enough that it is still relatively small, your Dentist may be able to restore the area with a simple tooth colored composite filling. Sometimes, a composite filling can be used for larger decay covering up to four surfaces but you may require a porcelain onlay. Onlays are used to cover larger areas of decay and are made from porcelain. Beyond an onlay, you may need a porcelain crown to cover the entire visible structure of the tooth. Crowns are often used to keep a tooth from cracking or to keep a tooth that has already cracked from getting worse.

Preventing Decay

Good oral hygiene and a healthy diet are the best ways to keep your teeth healthy! To aid in the prevention of decay in children, their dentist may suggest dental sealants which are a thin plastic coating that covers the chewing surface of the back teeth. This coating is especially beneficial for children since they probably have not developed great hygiene techniques.

Some patients may suffer from decay for reasons other than poor oral hygiene. Genetics, medications, and medical issues can all contribute to decay and/or gum disease. Regardless of your overall health, your oral health is dependent upon regular visits to your dental office for routine professional cleaning and checkups with your dentist. Most of the time, a 6 month schedule is sufficient but some patients may require a more frequent recall schedule. Any developing decay can be detected at these visits and the sooner it is caught, the easier and less invasive your restorative treatment will be.

Your hygienist may also advise that you add fluoride products to your home oral care routine. Fluoride is a natural mineral that can help prevent tooth decay and can be found in public drinking water supplies and in oral care products like toothpaste and mouthwash.

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