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
Drinking water is one of the best ways to prevent cavities and gum disease. You can stop plaque buildup and protect your tooth enamel just by drinking water throughout the day. Water washes away food debris and stimulates saliva production, which helps to prevent plaque buildup and acid attacks.
Is there a natural way to stop tooth decay? ›
Drinking water is one of the best ways to prevent cavities and gum disease. You can stop plaque buildup and protect your tooth enamel just by drinking water throughout the day. Water washes away food debris and stimulates saliva production, which helps to prevent plaque buildup and acid attacks.
Can decayed teeth be fixed naturally? ›
Enamel can repair itself by using minerals from saliva, and fluoride from toothpaste or other sources. But if the tooth decay process continues, more minerals are lost. Over time, the enamel is weakened and destroyed, forming a cavity. A cavity is permanent damage that a dentist has to repair with a filling.
What is the best way to prevent tooth decay? ›
5 Amazingly Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Cavities
- Know your cavity risk level. ...
- Brush your teeth regularly, properly and with the right brush. ...
- Cut back on sugary and acidic drinks -- and drink more water. ...
- Get into the habit of flossing (we promise, it's easy once you start). ...
- Quit smoking.
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 rebuild tooth enamel naturally? ›
Eat a Remineralization Diet
Certain foods can help remineralize softened areas in your teeth that acidic foods and drinks have weakened. For example, foods rich in calcium (dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt) help put back minerals into the enamel, and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables encourage saliva flow.
How to rebuild enamel on teeth? ›
Enamel can never 'regrow' per se because there are no living cells in the tooth enamel. Your best bet is to treat any existing problems from tooth decay and focus on better oral care and hygiene habits, which will preserve the enamel you have and prevent further deterioration.
Can you reverse bad tooth decay? ›
Can tooth decay be reversed? Yes, if it is caught early. Tooth decay is only reversible in the beginning stages when it has only affected the enamel or the hard outer protective coating of the tooth. Once tooth decay has progressed through the enamel into the softer, inner part of the tooth, it is irreversible.
Can oil pulling reverse cavities? ›
Oil pulling can help prevent cavities by removing harmful bacteria, and it may stop cavities from getting worse. However, it takes minerals like fluoride, hydroxyapatite, calcium, and phosphorus to reverse cavities by remineralizing your teeth — and only if you catch the cavities early enough.
How to heal cavities holistically? ›
Natural Remedies to Fight Cavities
- Oil of Oregano to Stop Decay. ...
- Establish a Healthy pH Level with Xylitol. ...
- Clove Oil for Pain Relief and Prevention. ...
- Neem Bark to Fight Infection. ...
- Green Tea as a Natural Fluoride Treatment. ...
- Keep Teeth Healthy with Licorice Root. ...
- Diet Changes to Reduce Bacteria.
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.
What toothpaste remineralizes teeth? ›
A quick look at the best remineralizing toothpaste
- Best anti-cavity remineralizing toothpaste: 3M Clinpro 5000.
- Best remineralizing toothpaste for sensitive teeth: Sensodyne Pronamel.
- Best overall remineralizing toothpaste: Crest Pro-Health Advanced.
Calcium. Calcium is one of the most important minerals for healthy teeth because it helps strengthen your enamel. Sure, you may know that dairy products are a great source of calcium, but so are leafy greens, beans, and almonds.
What is the strongest natural antibiotic for tooth infection? ›
What is the strongest natural antibiotic for tooth infection? Clove oil is one of the strongest natural antibiotics for tooth infections. Clove oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with a tooth infection.
How to remove tooth worm naturally? ›
What are the alternatives to the treatment? Clove oil, coconut oil and aloe vera are good natural products that fight the bacteria that feed on our teeth enamel; they also reduce the accumulation of plaque. Rinsing the teeth with these natural products will not only whiten teeth, they will also make our teeth stronger.
Can you stop tooth decay once it starts? ›
But as of yet, it's physically impossible. Once a tooth has a physical cavity (opening or hole) inside of it, there is no feasible way to help the enamel grow back on your own. Instead, the cavity will gradually worsen, due to the bacterial infection inside of the tooth structure.
How can I fix my tooth decay at home? ›
So, can you fix cavities at home? Unfortunately, no. Only a dentist can repair a cavity, so you should make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible. However, you do have the power to halt the decay and prevent future damage.
Can you stop rotten teeth? ›
Rotten teeth treatment depends on the stage of tooth decay. If you're dealing with a few cavities, your dentist can stop further damage with some fillings. However, if the infection has reached the pulp, you might require a root canal to restore the tooth.
What is the holistic approach to cavities? ›
One of the principal ways that holistic dentists treat cavities is by using non-toxic materials. Instead of the traditional filling materials containing toxic mercury, holistic dentists use bio-compatible materials, avoiding any harmful metals, chemicals, and substances.
