Filling cavities is one of many services that a family dentist provides. Cavities are holes in teeth that occur due to tooth decay. However, if the decay is caught early, it may be possible to reverse it before a cavity forms. Understanding how and why tooth decay happens may make it easier to learn how to prevent or reverse it.
Tooth decay happens because of acid in the mouth. The human mouth contains hundreds of bacteria. When people consume foods that include carbohydrates and sugars, these foods react with the bacteria to produce acid. The acid coats the teeth with a sticky film called plaque.
Over time, exposure to the acid breaks down the minerals in the tooth. This causes the tooth's surface to become weaker. A family dentist can identify tooth decay with an examination and X-rays. The dentist can also determine how far the decay is advanced. If it is still in the early stages, the dentist may recommend lifestyle changes to prevent the decay from progressing further and causing a cavity.
Making changes in diet or oral hygiene may prove helpful. The following methods have been effective in some cases.
Patients should avoid consuming any food or drink that could promote tooth decay. This includes foods that contain carbohydrates and natural or manmade acids and sugars. Instead, patients should choose helpful foods. Items with naturally occurring probiotics may help control harmful bacteria. Patients should also choose foods that contain vitamins and minerals used to build teeth. Taking supplements of calcium, iron, magnesium and vitamin D may also be useful.
There are two schools of thought about drinking coffee. Some think it should be avoided because it can upset the pH balance in the mouth and promote acid formation. However, others believe that it has helpful antibacterial properties. Individuals looking for a caffeine substitute may wish to try green tea, while those who choose to drink coffee should take it black.
Instead of drinking sugary sodas or juices, patients should drink water instead. Its pH balance neutralizes the acid. It is better to drink tap water than bottled water because the former is fortified with fluoride. Although bottled water may contain fluoride too, it usually is not in sufficient quantities to help with tooth decay.
Since it is a mineral, fluoride helps to build up teeth and protect them from decay. In addition to drinking fluoridated water, patients can help reverse tooth decay by brushing teeth with a toothpaste containing fluoride. A family dentist can also perform fluoride treatments during a routine dental appointment by applying it directly to the teeth in the form of varnish or gel.
To prevent and possibly reverse tooth decay, patients should brush for two minutes at a time twice a day. They should floss at least once a day. Some dentists recommend the use of mouthwash due to its antibacterial properties.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Family Dentist in Weatherford, TX.
These methods may be effective at reversing tooth decay that has not progressed significantly. However, once a cavity forms, it is too late. The patient then requires a filling from a family dentist.
Request an appointment or call Millar Family Dentistry at 817-885-5214 for an appointment in our Weatherford office.
Finding the right family dentist now is a good step to take for your family. That way if you or another family member have a dental problem that requires immediate care, you will be prepared and will not waste time looking. It can seem overwhelming to decide on a dentist with so many choices available…
Finding the right family dentist is important for your family’s oral health. An experienced dental care provider can provide quality care for your whole family. Having one dentist overseeing your family’s dental health will provide your family consistent care. If you want to know what to consider in selecting the right dentist for your family,…
Family dentists are great resources to utilize when looking to prevent bad breath. They are skilled dental professionals who have undergone extensive training to diagnose, manage and treat bad breath, which makes them experts at providing prevention tips to individuals suffering from a foul odor in the oral cavity. Want to learn more about bad breath…
A dentist can take many approaches to treat oral health issues. Lifestyle changes, more frequent cleanings, dental work, and medication may be used. Oral surgery may also need to be incorporated into a patient's treatment plan. Even though healthy alternatives exist that can help reduce pain and improve tooth and gum health, there are circumstances…
Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically implanted in the jawbone and act as artificial tooth roots. Dentists can use these posts to support replacement teeth such as crowns, dentures, or bridges, restoring the appearance and function of your smile. However, not all dental implants are created equal. There are several types of dental implants,…