The tooth will start to strengthen itself and repair the decay to the point where a cavity is no longer forming. While remineralization can reverse some damage to the surface of a tooth and prevent some cavities, it won't work for all situations. If the damage to the enamel or dentin is too severe, the process will be ineffective, and the cavity will need to be treated by your dentist. You can do your part in helping to protect your teeth from tooth decay by following a few simple guidelines:.
Having regular teeth cleanings and exams every six months is another necessary step in eliminating cavity-causing plaque and tartar.
During these exams, your dentist will be able to identify any early signs of tooth decay and give you the tools and knowledge to combat cavities. Contact Tompkins Dental to schedule an appointment for a routine dental cleaning and exam. Learn about what to expect during your child's first routine dental exam in Ithaca and what you can do to help make it a positive experience for your baby.
Ensure your veneers continue to look as great as the day they were put on in Ithaca by implementing these 4 tips to keep them looking brand new. We look forward to seeing you at your next visit! Contact Us. Gently brush your teeth at least twice every day for two minutes each time with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Floss between your teeth at least once a day. Consider investing in helpful dental gadgets, like an electric toothbrush and water flosser, to spice up your routine, making it more effective and even more fun. Are root canal procedures painful? Root canals are feared for all the wrong reasons. Read our blog post where we help you understand why you need not fear the root canal. The Benefits of Forensic Dentistry. At this point, decay can still be stopped or reversed.
Enamel can repair itself with minerals from saliva, toothpaste and fluoride treatments in the dental office. But if this process continues, more minerals are lost and more enamel is destroyed, forming a cavity.
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria. The food that we eat mixes with the bacteria in our mouths and becomes plaque. As bacteria breaks down carbohydrates sugar in our food, it releases enamel-damaging acids.
At first, these acids decalcify the enamel surface literally pulling Calcium out of our teeth which creates white spots. These spots are where the enamel is weaker and more susceptible to further attacks by acid and bacteria.
In the initial stages cavity formation, the damage is reversible. If plaque is removed and tooth enamel is continuously exposed to calcium and fluoride, the enamel on the surface of the tooth can repair itself.
Unfortunately, if not removed promptly, the plaque can continue to attack tooth enamel with acid. As the process continues and bacteria moves further into the tooth, the damage becomes irreversible; too much of the tooth enamel has been destroyed for the tooth to repair itself.
At this point, your dentist may recommend a filling to remove diseased and weakened tooth structure and to fill and seal the tooth to protect it from future attacks. The time it takes for a cavity to form depends on several factors.
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