The Tooth Decay Process: How to Reverse It and Avoid a Cavity

People most likely know that dental cavities are caused by holes in the teeth. However, you might not know that this process happens slowly. There are ways to help you stop the process and reverse it, so you don’t get a cavity.

 

What Happens Inside the Mouth?

There are hundreds of different types of bacteria in our mouth. These live in the gums, teeth, and tongue. Sometimes, the bacteria are helpful; however, other times, they are harmful. The harmful bacteria are the ones causing tooth decay.
 

Tooth decay happens when food particles remain on the surfaces and between the teeth. The bacteria eat the sugars in the food particles. Foods, such as starches and desserts, have an especially high amount of sugar that bacteria like to feed on. The acids will begin eating through the enamel, which is the hard protective layer on the outside of the tooth.
 

This process can be described as a sort of “tug of war” in the mouth. One team are the bacteria and plaque. The plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that builds upon the teeth. Whenever you eat or drink something like soda, milk, or bread, the team with the plaque becomes stronger.
 

The minerals in the saliva are on the other team, along with the fluoride that comes from water, toothpaste, and healthy foods. The saliva contains minerals, such as phosphate and calcium, that help the enamel repair any damage.

 

When Can You Reverse Tooth Decay?

If you eat or drink a lot of sugary beverages, your teeth will be exposed to the acid frequently. This causes a repeated cycle of acid attacks that result in the teeth losing important minerals. You might notice a white spot where the minerals have been removed. The good news is that this is only a sign of early decay and it can still be easily reversed. With minerals from toothpaste and saliva, the enamel can repair itself.
 

But if the process continues, the teeth will lose more enamel. The enamel will become weak and eventually be destroyed. It cannot be repaired once this happens. As a result, a hole will form in the tooth, which is permanent damage. Your dentist can repair this with a filling, but it will never be as strong as before.

 

What You Can Do

The good news is that with the right diet and care, you can prevent a cavity. If you eat frequently throughout the day, foods with starches and sugars will cause more acid attacks on your teeth. Both what you eat and how often you eat will play a role.
 

Regular dental visits are equally important. Often, it’s hard to spot the early signs of a cavity yourself. Luckily, your dentist is trained to look for these issues. Your dentist can also give you specific tips on avoiding cavities.

 

If you would like to learn more about avoiding cavities, please get in contact with our knowledgeable staff at Dr. John K. See’s office in Camarillo, CA, by giving us a call at (805) 920-8600 today.