A majority of people will develop at least one cavity in their lifetimes. This early phase of tooth decay forms when your natural oral bacteria penetrate the protective outer shell of the tooth and eat away at your enamel. This damage leaves a hole in the tooth enamel that makes your smile vulnerable to further harm.
A dentist can treat a cavity with a dental filling, but ideally, you will want to preserve the natural structure of your smile as much as you can. Fortunately, you can spot early signs of decay and intervene before it turns into a cavity. If you do have a cavity already, your dentist will need to treat it.
You should seek routine preventative care from your dentist to protect your dental health, but you can also make efforts to stop decay at home. Read on to find three methods of fighting tooth decay before you form a cavity in your smile.
3 Ways to Reverse Tooth Decay
Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks
Tooth decay starts to form in a noticeable way before you develop a hole or cavity in your tooth. So if you see weakening in your tooth enamel, such as discoloration in your teeth, you should take preventative measures to stop a cavity from forming.
A major reason your teeth might start to weaken is by consuming acidic foods and drinks. The acid from these items will linger on your teeth and eat away at the enamel. If you limit these items in your diet, you can avoid damaging your teeth further, which would give bacteria the opportunity to harm your smile.
Examples of risky foods include citrus fruits and juices and sugary treats. Sugar becomes acidic when it reacts with saliva, which could erode your teeth. Ask your dentist for more advice about protecting your teeth at home.
Practice Proper Oral Hygiene
Your oral bacteria form a film of plaque over your teeth throughout every day. If left on the teeth, it produces acid that erodes your tooth enamel, making them more vulnerable to tooth decay. But we practice oral hygiene to get rid of plaque build-up in a timely fashion before it can hurt our smiles.
Make sure you adhere to a good oral hygiene regimen to ensure you clear away plaque effectively. This entails brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist for teeth cleanings routinely.
Use appropriate hygienic tools and methods to maximize this at-home preventative care for your smile. If you see early signs of decay, you can lower your chances of worsening the issue when you care for your oral health well.
Try Fluoride
Fluoride refers to a naturally occurring mineral that can improve your dental health. When you consume or use items with fluoride, it can absorb into your tooth enamel, fortifying it and making it better able to resist acids that could cause tooth decay.
You can find fluoride in many of the foods you already eat as well as in tap water. So drink plenty of water to protect your smile. Certain toothpastes and mouthwashes contain fluoride too, which can strengthen your teeth. Consult with your dentist to learn if fluoride is an effective way for you to prevent cavities.