Can Tooth Decay Be Reversed… and When Is It Too Late?
We get a lot of questions at our office about tooth decay and tooth loss. One of the most common is: Can tooth decay be reversed? This shouldn’t come as a surprise since cavities and other dental problems are very common, and many people want to know how to get them fixed.
Today, we’re going to take a quick look at when tooth decay can be reversed and when it’s simply too late. We’ll then discuss a few simple tips that will help you reverse or prevent decay.
When Tooth Decay Can Be Reversed
If you search online, you’ll find a lot of resources claiming that tooth decay can be reversed. What they leave out is that only the very beginning of tooth decay can actually be reversed. This is when the decay is no more than a small white spot where minerals have been lost. At this point, enamel is able to repair itself with the use of minerals derived from saliva, fluoride, and other sources.
When Tooth Decay Can’t Be Reversed
It doesn’t take long for the early signs of tooth decay to turn into a cavity. Although you may find online resources telling you how you can undo tooth decay at this point, it simply isn’t true. Reversing a cavity is impossible.
That’s because the enamel has been weakened and destroyed, which can’t be undone. All that can be done is for a dentist to remove the cavity and provide you with a filling.
How to “Reverse” Tooth Decay
People always ask us how to reverse early tooth decay. Although it can be difficult, here are the best strategies you can start with right now:
Daily Dental Care
If you want to prevent or reverse early tooth decay, it all starts with daily dental care. This means brushing and flossing your teeth every single day. Brushing your teeth needs to be done twice per day, most notably in the morning and evening. Flossing should be done at least once every day, preferably in the evening before you go to bed.
Turn to Fluoride
If you want to protect your teeth against tooth decay or reverse the early stages of decay, then you should definitely turn to fluoride. Some states add fluoride to their tap water. You can also turn to fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash. Adding these to your regular dental care regimen will go a long way toward stopping tooth decay in its tracks.
Watch Your Diet
One of the biggest reasons people suffer from tooth decay is because they’re not mindful of what they eat and drink. If you’re eating foods or drinking beverages with a high level of sugar, then you’re more likely to experience decay. Sugary foods like cake and ice cream are a big problem, but soda is one of the most prevalent issues. Reducing your intake of these foods and drinks will help your teeth stay healthy!
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Visiting the dentist is one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay. In addition to an analysis of your teeth, they’ll also provide you with a cleaning. This will wash away built-up bacteria and other harmful, tooth-destroying elements. If your teeth are in bad shape, they may suggest a deep cleaning that will basically reset the condition of your teeth.
Contact Dr. Ferullo to Reverse Early Tooth Decay
Dr. Ferullo can help you reverse early tooth decay and prevent future dental issues. If you have any questions about our services, including our smile-improving teeth whitening, contact our St. Petersburg dentist office at (727) 822-8101 today.
