Right behind the common cold, tooth decay (also known as cavities) is the most common disease in the whole world. In fact, it’s estimated that upwards of 90% of the population will develop at least one cavity at some point in their lives. If you’ve ever had a cavity, you know how annoying they can be. They might be painful, and you have to take time out of your busy schedule to see your dentist for a filling. Once you have tooth decay, is there a way to cure it? How can you prevent decay in the first place? Keep reading to learn the answers.
The Causes of Cavities
The main cause of tooth decay is bacteria in plaque, a sticky biofilm that constantly forms on your teeth. When you consume sugary foods and drinks, these bacteria eat these sugars and leave behind an acidic waste product that creates holes in your tooth enamel. This is what forms cavities. When cavities are left untreated, the decay could spread to the delicate center of the tooth, called the pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels lie. At this point, the cavity causes extreme pain and can’t be treated with just a filling. It requires a more extensive treatment, like a crown or root canal.
Is There a Cure for Tooth Decay?
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a cure for cavities. Once the process has begun, there is nothing you can do to reverse the decay. You can, however, prevent further damage by implementing some of the following tips:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time. Use fluoridated toothpaste, as fluoride has been proven to strengthen your teeth in the constant battle against decay.
- Floss every day to clean out particles of food and bacteria from between your teeth.
- Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. These foods contain lots of essential vitamins and minerals that fortify your teeth.
- Keep consumption of sugary and starchy foods to a minimum.
- Take vitamin C and D supplements to make your tooth enamel stronger.
- See your dentist twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings. At checkups, they can diagnose early signs of cavities and treat them before they worsen. Then, at your cleaning, your teeth will be polished and strengthened.
While there is no surefire cure for tooth decay, there are several actions you can take to keep from getting cavities in the first place. If you want more advice, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist for tips to stat cavity-free!
About the Author
Dr. Cale Beasley attended dental school at the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Since then, he has completed advanced training in several aspects of restorative dentistry, including fillings to treat cavities. He has a special knack for helping patients relax in the dental chair, so if you have dental anxiety, there’s no need to worry with Dr. Beasley. If you want to learn more about how to prevent cavities in the Littleton, CO area, you can contact Dr. Beasley’s practice at (303) 794-1707.