Cavities are incredibly common. In fact, nearly 90% of adults are dealing with decay in their teeth. However, this oral health condition is also widely misunderstood. Most people assume that reversing tooth decay is not possible. But can you reverse cavities, actually? In which cases is this doable? Here’s everything you need to know about how to reverse tooth decay. It’s a lot more hopeful than you might think!
Can You Reverse Cavities? Is Tooth Decay Reversible?
So, can you reverse tooth decay? Yes, but only in the early stages. Professional teeth cleaning can help remove hardened plaque, which causes cavities, and there are other treatments, including fluoride and laser therapy in Charlotte, NC. However, once a cavity breaks through the tooth enamel and forms a physical hole, there’s no way to reverse it. In this case, you will need a dental filling to repair the affected tooth.
How Does Tooth Decay Develop?
You’ve got to know more about the development of tooth decay to truly understand the answer to the question: Can cavities be reversed? Well, it all starts with the bacteria in your mouth. Every time you eat something sweet or starchy, they feed on the sugars and produce acids as a byproduct, kicking off the earliest stage of decay.
When bacteria, leftover food particles, and acids combine, they form a sticky film, also known as dental plaque, that clings to the surface of the tooth. If plaque isn’t cleaned away regularly with a good oral hygiene routine, it hardens into tartar, which can be removed only by your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark. If left untreated, the bacteria will continue breaking down the enamel, the outer layer of the tooth, creating what we know as a cavity or dental caries.
What Causes Tooth Cavities?
As we’ve just discussed, sweet treats often get the most blame for tooth decay. However, the actual issue isn’t the sugar itself, but what happens after you eat it. Skipping regular brushing and flossing gives those bacteria the perfect chance to stir up some trouble. Other factors can play a role too, like having a dry mouth from medications, acid reflux, not getting enough fluoride, or smoking.
How to Know if You Have Dental Caries
In the beginning stages, cavities are difficult to notice, and that’s why visiting your dentist in Charlotte, NC, for routine dental cleanings and exams is so important. During these checks, they will be able to catch any early signs of tooth decay and treat it promptly. If left unaddressed, cavities can show the following signs:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks,
- Grey or brown spots on the teeth,
- Holes in the teeth,
- Bad breath,
- Swelling around the teeth and the jaw.
How to Reverse a Cavity With the Help of Your Charlotte, NC, Dentist
Good news for anyone wondering – can you reverse a cavity? If you catch it early enough, a few smart habits can actually stop it in its tracks. This beginning phase, known as demineralization, can be reversed with a mix of consistent brushing and flossing, fluoride treatments, and routine cleanings. Fluoride treatments, for example, help replenish lost minerals and strengthen enamel, which can be super beneficial for the earliest stages of decay.
On top of that, advanced laser dentistry in Charlotte, NC, allows your dentist to detect and treat early decay more precisely and comfortably than ever before. Lasers can gently remove plaque buildup without the noise, pressure, or discomfort of traditional methods. Laser dentistry for cavities is the most effective way to give your smile a second chance.
How to Treat Advanced Stages of Tooth Decay
If left unchecked, tooth decay can cause all sorts of problems in the long run, including tooth loss and infections. Luckily, even when it’s in the more advanced stages, there are still effective solutions. One of the most common ones is a dental filling, a treatment that consists of removing the decayed part of the tooth and sealing it up with special material to stop further damage.
If the decay goes even deeper, reaching the soft inner tissue also known as the pulp, you might need root canal therapy instead. The infected pulp is carefully removed, the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, and everything is sealed to keep the bacteria out. In some cases, a dental crown is added afterward to protect the tooth and restore its strength.
Take the First Step Toward a Healthier Smile With Aspire Dental Wellness
Can tooth decay be reversed? Are cavities reversible? Now that you know the answer to these questions, all that’s left to do is to act on it. This is not a one-way street – there are plenty of treatment options to stop cavities in their tracks and, in some cases, even reverse them.
Timing is everything here, so don’t hesitate to contact us at Aspire Dental Wellness. From preventative care to advanced laser treatments, our practice of general dentistry in Charlotte, NC, is all about keeping your smile strong, healthy, and happy. Ready to give your pearly whites the care they deserve? Let’s make tooth decay a thing of the past!
