how to stop tooth decay from spreading

Full Answer

What is the best way to prevent tooth decay?

Use fluoride Fluoride is a mineral that can prevent tooth decay from progressing. It can even reverse, or stop, early tooth decay. Fluoride works to protect teeth.

How does a dry mouth speed up tooth decay?

A dry mouth can speed up tooth decay by allowing the buildup of cavity-causing bacteria. Keep your mouth moist to slow the cavity's progression and rinse away food particles that could make decay worse.

What causes tooth decay?

Tooth decay is the result of an infection with certain types of bacteria that use sugars in food to make acids. Over time, these acids can make a cavity in the tooth.

How do I get rid of a cavity on my tooth?

This will get into the cavity and make it worse. Focus on the cavity while brushing to clean away excess food and slow the cavity's progression. Use a soft-bristled brush and don’t press too hard as you move it. Move the toothbrush back and forth in gentle motions for at least 2 minutes total. Brush your teeth twice a day and after eating.

Can you stop tooth decay from getting worse?

If you chew gum that contains Xylitol after eating, it can help prevent the formation of cavities. But again, once you have a cavity, nothing can reverse the decay.

How do you stop tooth decay from spreading at home?

The following home remedies might help prevent cavities or treat “pre-cavities” by remineralizing weakened areas of your enamel before a cavity develops:Sugar-free gum. ... Vitamin D. ... Brush with fluoride toothpaste. ... Cut out sugary foods. ... Oil pulling. ... Licorice root.

How fast does tooth decay spread?

Cavities don't develop overnight. It takes weeks, months, even years for a cavity to form. In fact, most cavities take around six months to five years to develop. If a cavity is caught early enough, you can actually reverse the damage to your child's teeth.

Can tooth decay be stopped?

Fortunately, the beginning stages of a cavity can be reversed by taking steps toward good oral hygiene. During early demineralization, exposure to fluoride, daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleanings can all help prevent — or even reverse — tooth decay.

Can salt remove cavity?

Salt water can also be very effective in getting rid of tooth decay. For this, mix a little salt in lukewarm water and gargle with it.

Can brown tooth decay reversed?

Decayed Enamel Can't be “Re-Grown” But as of yet, it's physically impossible. Once a tooth has a physical cavity (opening or hole) inside of it, there is no feasible way to help the enamel grow back on your own. Instead, the cavity will gradually worsen, due to the bacterial infection inside of the tooth structure.

When is a tooth too decayed to save?

If the process of tooth decay is allowed to continue, enamel will break down further. You may notice that a white spot on a tooth darkens to a brownish color. As enamel is weakened, small holes in your teeth called cavities, or dental caries, can form. Cavities will need to be filled by your dentist.

How long can tooth decay go untreated?

On average, as a broad timeline, it can take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity needs treatment. The conditions of your mouth change daily. Conclusion: a cavity can start to form, then not have the right conditions to develop.

How long does it take for tooth decay to reach the nerve?

A person who can't brush or floss, who accumulates acid-producing bacteria around the teeth, who does not use fluoride or oral calcium products, and who has stomach acid in the mouth from GERD or bulimia can grow cavities that invade the dental nerve in as little as three or six months.

What happens if tooth decay spreads?

But if it gets worse it can lead to problems, such as a hole forming in the tooth (dental cavity). If you have a hole in your tooth you may have: toothache (tooth pain) sharp pain in your tooth when eating or drinking hot, cold or sweet things (sensitive teeth)

Why are my teeth rotting even though I brush?

There are several reasons as to why your teeth are bad even after brushing them. Some of the most common causes include: not using the right toothpaste, not flossing, brushing too hard, and not brushing your teeth for a long enough time.

Can tooth decay spread to other teeth?

Cavities can't spread to other teeth, but they certainly have an impact on the rest of your mouth. First of all, the conditions that create a cavity on one tooth certainly can develop into cavities on your other teeth.

Why do we need to rinse our teeth?

Water rinses your teeth between times of brushing and flossing, preventing any food debris from clinging to your teeth and becoming plaque. Also, water boosts saliva production, which also protects your teeth and slows plaque formation.

Is tooth decay visible to the eye?

Tooth decay is not always as noticeable as the examples listed earlier. In fact, tooth decay is often not even visible to the eye in its early stages. However, it doesn’t take long for a small cavity to turn into a dental emergency.

How often should I visit my dentist for tooth decay?

Probably one of the most important ways to keep tooth decay from spreading is bey visiting your dentist. Yes, you must visit your dentists once every 6 months, even if you have no dental problem. Regular dental visits enable your dentist to monitor your dental health and catch early tooth decay and treat it before it spreads! You can visit any dental clinic or top dentist in Mumbai, like our team of dental experts at Sabka Dentist for your regular dental checkups.

What is the best oil to use for teeth?

This is an ancient, age-old technique that has been used for good oral health. It involves swishing oil, preferably coconut or extra-virgin olive oil, in the mouth to eliminate harmful bacteria. The oil is used much like mouthwash and helps to reduce bacteria in your mouth. Thereby reducing the chances of tooth decay and its spread.

Can you eat sticky foods to prevent tooth decay?

As mentioned earlier, we must avoid sweet, sticky foods that can cause tooth decay. At the same time, we must also include foods like fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber and help clean the teeth surfaces. All top dentist in Mumbai advises you to eat foods that improve the flow of saliva as it flushes out food stuck on your teeth, and also helps remineralize the tooth enamel. This helps reverse tooth decay in its very early stages.

How To Prevent Tooth Decay From Spreading

Believe it or not, tooth decay is contagious and can spread throughout the mouth if not treated properly. Dental decay can be painful and cause a lot of discomfort for most patients. Aside from the uncomfortable feeling, tooth decay can lead to serious health complications down the line, such as periodontal disease.

How Does A Cavity Develop

Dental decay refers to the destruction of the tooth and its enamel caused by food debris left on a patient’s teeth. Carbohydrates, which contain a combination of sugar and starch, clings to the tooth. During digestion, the bacteria inside of the mouth breaks the food down into acid.

Symptoms and Signs of Tooth Decay

If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you may be suffering from a cavity or tooth decay. In other cases, a patient may be experiencing tooth decay and not even know it. Please schedule an appointment with your dentist if you experience any of the following or have not received dental care in the last six months:

How To Prevent Tooth Decay from Spreading

While a comprehensive oral care routine is the best way to prevent tooth decay from spreading, or even occurring in the first place, there are other preventative steps patients may take in order to protect their teeth from severe damage:

Why is it important to have a dental checkup?

Tooth decay happens gradually, and sometimes, cavities can exist and progress without showing many symptoms. This is one reason why it’s important to get regular dentist checkups. There are a number of signs that either a cavity is forming or has already taken hold of your tooth.

Why is brushing your teeth important?

However, brushing is also important to prevent cavities from getting worse. Buildup of food stimulates the growth of bacteria. This will get into the cavity and make it worse. Focus on the cavity while brushing to clean away excess food and slow the cavity's progression.

What happens when you remove enamel from your teeth?

Cavities, small holes in your teeth that can enlarge over time, occur when the protective enamel of your teeth is eaten away by acids and bacteria. When the enamel is removed, the cavity continues eating away at your tooth in a process known as “tooth decay.”. If left untreated, this decay will reach the inner pulp of nerves and blood vessels.

What does a mouth rinse with ADA seal of approval mean?

Look for a mouth rinse with an ADA seal of approval to indicate that the rinse has been evaluated by the American Dental Association. Fluoride gel. Fluoride gel is thick and will remain on your teeth for a longer period of time. You squirt the gel into trays that you then fit over your teeth.

What is sugar free gum?

Chew sugar free gum with xylitol. Xylitol is a naturally-occurring alcohol that is extracted from plants. It has anti-bacterial properties and is used to prevent infections. Gum that contains 1–20 grams (0.035–0.71 oz) of xylitol helps kill bacteria that causes cavities and makes them worse.

What kind of resin do dentists use for cavities?

Commonly, your dentist will use porcelain or a composite resin to fill a cavity, especially for front teeth. These are top choices because they can be shaded to match your tooth’s natural appearance. Dentists may fill cavities in back teeth with silver alloy or gold, as these tend to be stronger.

How to keep a cavity from getting worse?

The best way to keep a cavity from getting worse is to brush your teeth for 2 minutes in the morning, before bed, and after eating . You should also avoid sugary foods and drinks, which can be painful and will increase plaque and bacteria in your mouth.