Can I stop tooth decay?
Tooth decay can be stopped or reversed at this point. Enamel can repair itself by using minerals from saliva, and fluoride from toothpaste or other sources. But if the tooth decay process continues, more minerals are lost. Over time, the enamel is weakened and destroyed, forming a cavity.
What is the start of tooth decay?
Enamel is the hardest tissue in your body and is mostly made up of minerals. However, as a tooth is exposed to acids produced by plaque bacteria, the enamel begins to lose these minerals. When this occurs, you may see a white spot appear on one of your teeth. This area of mineral loss is an initial sign of tooth decay.
How long does a tooth take to decay?
Every Cavity Is Different. The time it takes for a cavity to form varies. It can, on average, take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity requires treatment. The length of time it takes will vary on a case-by-case basis because the conditions of your mouth differ daily.
How do you fix tooth decay?
Treatment options include:
- Fluoride treatments. If your cavity just started, a fluoride treatment may help restore your tooth’s enamel and can sometimes reverse a cavity in the very early stages.
- Fillings.
- Crowns.
- Root canals.
- Tooth extractions.
What happens if decayed tooth is not removed?
If it is not removed, it will harden and turn into tartar (calculus). The acids in plaque damage the enamel covering your teeth. It also creates holes in the tooth called cavities. Cavities usually do not hurt, unless they grow very large and affect nerves or cause a tooth fracture.
Why do I get cavities so easily?
Diet – “Sip all day, get decay.” If you sip, graze or snack on anything sugary throughout the day, your chances of getting cavities increase by quite a bit. Dry Mouth – Saliva not only washes away plaque and bacteria, it neutralizes the acids that can attack your teeth. Without it, you’re much more likely to decay.