Buzz
Tooth decay is a condition where small holes form in the teeth, gradually growing larger over time. This occurs when the protective enamel is worn away by acid and bacteria. Once the enamel is lost, the cavities continue to deepen into the teeth, leading to the development of tooth decay. If left untreated, the cavity can reach the tooth pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. The only way to eliminate the cavity is to fill the tooth. However, there are several steps you can take to prevent the decay from worsening until you can visit a dentist.
Steps
Preventing the Decay Cavity from Progressing
Carefully clean the affected area. In theory, brushing can prevent tooth decay, but once decay has begun, brushing plays a crucial role in preventing the cavity from enlarging. Food plaque is the main cause that encourages bacteria growth, which infiltrates the cavity and worsens the condition. Focus on cleaning the area around the cavity to remove leftover food and slow the decay progression.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid applying too much pressure while brushing. Gently move the brush back and forth for at least 2 minutes.
- Brush twice a day and after meals. It's important to keep your mouth clean once a cavity has formed because plaque begins to form within 20 minutes of eating.
Identifying Tooth Decay Symptoms. Tooth decay progresses gradually, and often, a cavity can develop without showing any symptoms at first. This is why it's crucial to visit your dentist regularly. However, there are several signs that may indicate a cavity is forming or already severely affecting the tooth. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s best to consult your dentist, though you can take some preventive steps to halt the decay until your appointment.
- White spots on teeth. This could be an early sign of tooth decay or fluoride toxicity. These white spots indicate that acid has begun to demineralize the enamel, but it's still possible to reverse the damage, so take action immediately if you notice this.
- Tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity typically occurs after consuming sweet, hot, or cold foods or drinks. While it isn’t always a sign of decay, it can be concerning if you’ve never experienced it before. A sudden onset of sensitivity could be a warning sign.
- Pain when biting down.
- Toothache. A persistent toothache occurs when the cavity reaches the tooth’s nerve, often worsened by eating or drinking. Toothaches can sometimes occur without any clear cause.
- Visible holes in the tooth. This is a clear sign of advanced tooth decay where the cavity has significantly worn down the tooth.
- The cavity may persist and enlarge over time without noticeable symptoms.
Fluoride Treatment. Fluoride is antibacterial, meaning it helps prevent bacteria growth in the mouth, while also strengthening the teeth by remineralizing the enamel and offering better protection against cavities. If a cavity is caught early, fluoride treatment can reverse the decay. Fluoride products are available without a prescription, but stronger options may require a doctor's prescription. The best option is to use fluoride treatments prescribed by your dentist, although there are also over-the-counter alternatives to use while you wait for a dental appointment.
- Fluoride toothpaste. Most fluoride toothpaste is available without a prescription and contains sodium fluoride at 1000-1500 ppm. Your dentist may prescribe a fluoride toothpaste with a higher sodium fluoride concentration, around 5000 ppm.
- Fluoride mouthwash. This can be used daily and typically contains sodium fluoride in concentrations ranging from 225-1000 ppm. Look for products with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal to ensure they’ve been evaluated for safety and efficacy.
- Fluoride gel. This gel is thicker and stays on the teeth longer. It should be applied by dispensing the gel into a tray and spreading it over the teeth.
Drink Water. Dry mouth can accelerate tooth decay, as bacteria responsible for decay thrive in a dry mouth. Keeping your mouth moist can help slow this process and wash away leftover food particles that contribute to the worsening of cavities.
- If you experience persistent dry mouth despite drinking plenty of water, it could be a symptom of a more serious condition or caused by prescription medication. Let your doctor know if the dryness continues.
Chewing Sugar-Free Gum with Xylitol. Xylitol, a naturally occurring alcohol derived from plants, has antibacterial properties and is used to prevent infections. Sugar-free gum containing 1-20 grams of xylitol can help kill bacteria responsible for tooth decay. If you suspect you have a cavity, chewing gum with xylitol can be a temporary measure while waiting for your dentist appointment.
- Look for gum with the ADA seal of approval to ensure you’re buying a quality product and not one that could worsen the cavity.
- Chewing gum also stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away food debris and keeps the enamel strong.
Rinse with Saltwater. Saltwater has disinfecting properties, and dentists often recommend it for treating mouth wounds or infections. It can also kill and inhibit the bacteria responsible for cavities while you wait for professional treatment.
- Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
- Take a sip and swish the water around your mouth for 1 minute, focusing on the affected tooth.
- Rinse three times a day.
Brushing with licorice root. Although detailed research on this is limited, there is evidence suggesting that licorice root can prevent and slow down tooth decay. Licorice root has the potential to kill cavity-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation. This is a home remedy to help prevent further cavities from forming, especially if you're not planning on seeing a dentist right away.
- Some toothpaste brands include licorice root as an ingredient. If you can't find one, you can buy licorice root powder and mix it with your regular toothpaste.
- Be sure to purchase licorice extract that has been processed to remove glycyrrhizin (DGL), which is the compound that can cause uncomfortable and potentially severe side effects.
- Always consult a doctor before using licorice root. It may interact with certain medications, including ACE inhibitors, insulin, MAO inhibitors, and birth control pills. It may also cause health issues for those with liver or kidney conditions, diabetes, heart disease, or hormone-sensitive cancers.
Avoid refined sugar consumption. Cavities form when bacteria produce acids in your mouth, and these bacteria thrive in acidic environments. They feed on leftover sugar from food particles stuck on your teeth, which is why it’s essential to limit sugary foods and drinks. If possible, brush your teeth after eating.
- Starchy foods such as potatoes, bread, and pasta also create an ideal environment for acid-producing bacteria to grow. Avoid consuming simple refined carbohydrates and brush your teeth after meals.
See a dentist for tooth decay treatment.
Discuss treatment options with your dentist. Depending on the severity of the decay, they will recommend various treatment options. Feel free to ask if you don't understand the procedures or treatment methods suggested.
Treat with fluoride-based products. If the cavity is still small and recently formed, dentists typically recommend a non-invasive approach by applying a fluoride product to the affected area for a few minutes. Fluoride helps to remineralize the enamel in areas that have begun to decay, and early treatment can allow the tooth to remineralize.
- This treatment only takes a few minutes, but you must avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes afterward to allow the fluoride to penetrate deeply into the tooth.
Consider dental fillings if recommended by your dentist. Cavities are often detected too late for fluoride treatments to be effective, in which case fillings are necessary. A dental filling is done by drilling out the decayed portion of the tooth and then filling the empty space with a material.
- Typically, dentists use porcelain or composite resin to fill cavities, especially for front teeth. These materials are preferred as they blend with the natural color of the tooth.
- For cavities in the back teeth, dentists may use silver or gold alloys as they are more durable. Plaque tends to accumulate more on these teeth.
Consult your dentist about root canal treatment if the decay has reached the tooth pulp. In this case, the dentist will remove the infected pulp, disinfect the area to kill bacteria, and then fill the space with a material. This is usually the last resort before tooth extraction.
- Typically, after a root canal, you’ll need to have a crown placed on the tooth, essentially acting as a “cap” for the tooth.
Consider tooth extraction if the damage from decay is beyond repair. In this case, the dentist will need to extract the decayed tooth. After extraction, you may opt for a dental implant to restore aesthetics and prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting.
Prevent tooth decay
Brush your teeth twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and replace it every 3-4 months. To ensure effective brushing, follow the guidelines provided by the American Dental Association.
- Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Plaque tends to build up along the gum line.
- Gently move the brush back and forth in short strokes, the length of each stroke should be about the width of a tooth.
- Brush both the outer and inner surfaces of your teeth.
- Brush for about two minutes.
- Finally, brush your tongue. Not brushing your tongue means you're missing a lot of bacteria, which will spread throughout your mouth as soon as you're done brushing.
- Brush at least twice a day.
Floss your teeth every day. In addition to brushing, flossing plays a critical role in maintaining good oral health. It's recommended to floss at least once daily, though twice a day is ideal. Follow these easy steps to ensure you're flossing correctly:
- Cut approximately 46 cm of floss. Wrap most of it around the middle finger of one hand, and the remaining floss around the middle finger of the other hand.
- Hold the floss tightly between your thumb and index finger, and then gently move it back and forth between your teeth.
- When the floss touches the gum line, curve it into a “C” shape to follow the contour of your teeth.
- Press the floss gently against the tooth and move it up and down.
- Repeat the process for all other teeth.
- Make sure to use a fresh section of floss for each tooth.
- If your teeth are tight, choose waxed or “easier to slide” floss. Dental picks are also a useful alternative, but the key is to floss daily.
Choose ADA-approved mouthwash. Some mouthwashes only mask bad breath without killing bacteria or removing plaque, which contributes to bad breath and cavities. Always look for the ADA seal when purchasing a mouthwash, as it ensures the product has been approved for plaque removal. Click here for a full list of ADA-approved mouthwashes.
- Ensure the mouthwash you choose can remove plaque, reduce gum inflammation, prevent cavities, and combat bad breath.
- There are alcohol-free or low-alcohol options available that are still highly effective for oral health. If you don't like the burning sensation from traditional mouthwashes, these alternatives may be ideal.
Maintain a tooth-friendly diet. What you eat greatly impacts your oral health. Some foods are excellent for your teeth, while others should be limited or avoided altogether.
- Eat fiber-rich foods. Fiber helps remove plaque from your teeth, stimulates saliva production, and neutralizes harmful acids and enzymes. Fiber is found in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grain products.
- Consume dairy products. Milk, cheese, and unsweetened yogurt help stimulate saliva production and contain calcium, which strengthens tooth enamel.
- Drink tea. Green and black teas contain nutrients that help break down plaque and slow bacterial growth. Brewing tea with fluoridated water can further enhance the nutritional benefits for your teeth.
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks. Sugar accelerates plaque buildup and bacterial growth, leading to cavities. Limit your intake of sweets and soft drinks. If you crave something sweet, have it during meals and drink plenty of water to help wash away the sugar and prevent acid and bacteria buildup.
- Brush your teeth after eating starchy foods. Foods like potatoes and corn tend to get stuck between your teeth, so brushing after meals is important to prevent cavities.
Avoid acidic beverages. Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and even fruit juices are acidic and can encourage the growth of bacteria that cause cavities. These drinks should be consumed in moderation or eliminated entirely.
- The primary culprits include sports drinks like Gatorade, energy drinks like Red Bull, and sodas like Coke. The carbonation in these drinks accelerates enamel erosion.
- Drink plenty of water and rinse your mouth after consuming acidic drinks.
- Remember, 100% pure fruit juice also contains sugar. To reduce its acidity, dilute it with water at a 1:1 ratio, especially for children. Limit fruit juice consumption and rinse your mouth afterward.
Visit the dentist regularly. Dentists generally recommend check-ups every six months to ensure your oral health is in good condition. During each visit, your dentist will perform a thorough cleaning, removing plaque buildup from the past months. They will also check for cavities, gum disease, or any other potential issues.
- Your dentist can spot small cavities in their earliest stages. Early detection makes it easier to treat decay without needing invasive procedures.
- For instance, lifestyle changes, proper oral hygiene, and fluoride treatments can often reverse small cavities. This method stimulates the natural 'remineralization' process of your teeth.
Advice
- A typical dental cleaning at the dentist’s office generally includes tartar removal, polishing, and a fluoride treatment.
Warning
- If you suspect you have a cavity, it's crucial to see your dentist. Preventing further decay is important, but the only way to remove a cavity is through dental treatment.
- Many times, cavities can develop without noticeable symptoms, which is why regular dental check-ups are essential.
