Throughout our lives, our teeth are constantly under attack. Harmful bacteria feed on food particles in the mouth, particularly sugar. This leads to the creation ofby-products that wear away at the surface of teeth and ultimately cause tooth decay.
However, there is another challenge that’s just as serious: Dental erosion.
When we eat acidic foods of any kind, tooth enamel temporarily softens and loses some of its important minerals. Within a few hours, saliva naturally restores the pH balance of the mouth. However, during this time, the enamel is at particular risk of permanent damage.
Dental erosion can be prevented by adjusting diet to avoid acidic foods. Acid attacks can also be reduced by finishing a meal with cheese or milk; two items that can help restore pH balance more quickly. Some sugar-free gums can help by naturally stimulating saliva production after eating.
To reduce enamel damage, wait at least an hour after a meal before you brush your teeth.
Can Tooth Enamel Be Restored?
Once tooth enamel is damaged, it cannot be brought back. However, weakened enamel can be restored to some degree by improving its mineral content. Although toothpastes and mouthwashes can never “rebuild” teeth, they can contribute to this remineralization process.
Remineralization introduces minerals, especially calcium, to the teeth. These minerals bond to the surface of the teeth and are drawn to weak points in the enamel. This is especially effective in cases of dental erosion, since tooth surfaces mightbe weakened without being cracked or chipped.
Enamel’s chief ingredient is calcium phosphate, also known ashydroxyaptite. Products with high concentrations of calcium phosphate or with fluoride, a common additive, are best at helping teeth to remineralize naturally before damage exceeds the point of no return.
How to Stop Tooth Decay in Madison, WI: See a Dentist
Each day, there are many opportunities to combat tooth decay through brushing, flossing, using mouthwashand even changing diet habits. However, a dentist’s help can be essential in both protecting teeth and restoring those that have already sustained damage.
There are two popular options for rebuilding tooth structure:
- Tooth Bonding:Attaching tooth-colored composite resin to chipped or cracked areas
- Tooth Crown:Covering damaged enamel to protect it and strengthen the tooth overall.
Looking for a Madison, WI, dentist you can trust?
Dental Health Associates has been helpingrestore teethin Madisonwith our conveniently located clinics inSun Prairie,Fitchburg, andMiddleton.
FAQs
Use fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that can prevent tooth decay from progressing. It can even reverse, or stop, early tooth decay.
Is there a natural way to stop tooth decay? ›
Use fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that can prevent tooth decay from progressing. It can even reverse, or stop, early tooth decay.
How to fix rotten teeth without a dentist? ›
As a result, there is no natural way to remove them at home. Only a dentist can fix a cavity by filling it in. That said, home care can prevent cavities. Food and bacteria buildup form a sticky film on the teeth's surface and along the gumline.
How to stop tooth rotting? ›
Do
- brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste – spit after brushing, do not rinse.
- clean in between your teeth every day using floss or interdental brushes.
- use sugar-free medicines.
- have regular dental check-ups (your dentist will be able to advise you about how often you need to go)
Fillings. If you have a typical cavity, your dentist will remove the decayed tooth tissue and then restore the tooth by filling it with a filling material. Root canal. If the damage to the tooth and/or an infection spreads to the pulp (inside of the tooth), you might need a root canal.
What can I drink to stop tooth decay? ›
Four drinks that won't damage your teeth
- Water. It should come as no surprise that water is the best drink when it comes to both your oral and general health. ...
- Milk. Milk is packed with calcium, a mineral that is naturally found in the teeth. ...
- Tea. ...
- Low-sugar vegetable juices.
Fortunately, the beginning stages of a cavity can be reversed by taking steps toward good oral hygiene. During early demineralization, exposure to fluoride, daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleanings can all help prevent — or even reverse — tooth decay.
How to rebuild enamel on teeth? ›
6 Tips on How to Remineralize Teeth
- Increase Saliva Production. One of the most effective ways to repair tooth enamel is to maximize the amount of saliva you produce. ...
- Drink More Water. ...
- Use a Remineralizing Toothpaste. ...
- Chew Sugar-Free Gum. ...
- Eat a Remineralization Diet. ...
- Dodge Acidic Drinks.
Thankfully, there are several treatment options, such as:
- Crowns.
- Dental veneers.
- Composite resin fillings.
- Implants.
- Metal fillings.
We mentioned that it helps reduce the risk of cavities, but it doesn't stop there… Repairs damage caused by cavities: The American Dental Association states that by getting rid of plaque, soda helps stop cavities that are in the beginning stages of forming, and actually repairs the damage they cause.
Not cleaning your teeth well, snacking a lot and sipping sugary drinks are the main causes of cavities. Cavities are areas in the hard surface of your teeth that are damaged. These areas of tooth decay become tiny openings or holes that can lead to a serious toothache, infection and tooth loss.
Can I save my decaying teeth? ›
Dentin decay is possible to treat with Fillings in the early stage, or the dentist may suggest placing crowns in more advanced cases. Before placing the crowns, the decayed area is removed first, and if necessary, some healthy tooth tissue may also be removed to ensure that the crowns fit nicely into your mouth.
What to do if your teeth are rotting and you can't afford to fix it? ›
Call 1-888-Ask-HRSA to find out about federally-funded community health centers across the country that provide free or reduced-cost health services, including dental care. Community clinics can be a great way to get dental care affordably.
Can you stop tooth decay once it starts? ›
Is it possible to reverse or stop a cavity from getting worse? Weakened enamel or the early stage of tooth decay can still be saved and reversed by replenishing the lost minerals in the tooth enamel. However, once the bacteria reaches the dentin, it becomes a point of no return.
What is Stage 4 tooth decay? ›
Stage 4: Pulp Decay
At this stage, the decay will have already eaten through to the tooth's center, leaving a hole (cavity) in the tooth. During this stage, you will likely feel significant pain near the affected tooth.
Can you stop tooth decay without filling? ›
Modern dentistry now gives the dentist many tools to identify and manage decay when it can be healed without a filling. Decay occurs when a tooth loses too much calcium from attack by acid producing bacteria. Fortunately, with proper intervention decay can be halted and teeth can recalcify.
