We are going to examined an important question titled” Can you reverse a cavity”, which happens to be one of the research questions that requires an affimitive answer. Cavity otherwise known as dental caries is a result of gradual tooth decay accompanied by discolouration on the tooth’s surface and a painful sensation. In this article, we will discuss:
(1)How cavity develops (2 ) Can you reverse a cavity (3)Treatment options for a cavity and (4) when it is necessary to meet your dentist.
HOW DOES A CAVITY DEVELOP?
A cavity is a little hole in your tooth, caused by the destruction of the enamel. This happens when your teeth are exposed to acids produced by oral bacteria -streptococcus mutans.
Anytime sugar enters your mouth, it gets broken down by this bacteria and acid is created as a byproduct.
This acid softens and dissolves the enamel on your tooth, giving the bacteria a hiding spot which over time creates a hole in your tooth which we know as a cavity.
There is no telling how long it can take for a cavity to be developed, however, poor oral hygiene has a big take on how quickly it develops. If tooth decay is not treated on time, it may lead to calculus bridge
STAGES OF TOOTH DECAY (CAVITY DEVELOPMENT)
Five stages of tooth decay contribute to the development of a cavity:
(1) DEMINERALIZATION
When a tooth is frequently exposed to acid from the beverages or sweet food you take in, the acid begins to attack the enamel, causing it to lose its minerals.
(2)ENAMEL DECAY
As the enamel begins to lose its minerals and you continue to take in sweet foods, which continue to attack the enamel, causing it to break down, holes (cavity) begin to form in that tooth.
(3) DENTIN DECAY
The dentin is the soft tissue underneath the enamel. Once it gets to this stage, the decay on the enamel begins to sip into the dentin. This is the point when you begin to experience pain.
(4) PULP DECAY
The pulp houses the nerves and blood vessels of your teeth, and when the decay reaches the pulp, inflammation becomes more extreme.
(5) ABSCESSES
If at the point of the pulp decay, you still haven’t received medical care, the bacteria inside the cavity then begin to spread beneath the pulp and form a pocket of pus.
CAN YOU REVERSE A CAVITY?
There is no simple answer to this. As far as reversing a cavity goes, it depends on what stage of developing a cavity you are at. At the early stage, yes you can reverse a cavity with some simple remedies, but once it is advanced, “reversing” a cavity no longer becomes the best term to use. You treat the cavity instead.
WAYS IN WHICH CAVITY CAN BE REVERSE
(1) Improved oral hygiene: Keeping up with simple oral routines could help you reverse a cavity. Brush properly at least twice a day, floss to remove food remnants and prevent bacteria growth, and use an antibacterial mouthwash to help kill leftover bacteria.
(2) Change your diet: Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables which are rich in calcium will help strengthen your teeth and replenish the minerals lost in your enamel.
Also, add vitamins and natural probiotics to your diet as they help to produce bacteria-fighting saliva and help offset the acidic pH in bacteria between your teeth, respectively. While doing all these, be sure to avoid sugary foods and drinks.
(3) Drinking fluoridated water: Fluoride is a mineral in our bones and teeth that help prevent cavities. Taking fluorinated water also helps the enamel regain its lost mineral and reduces bacteria’s ability to make acid.
You could also use mouthwash and toothpaste containing fluoride or take fluoride supplements.
With these few remedies, you are on your way to reversing a cavity but do not forget to keep up with regular dental appointments with your dentist.
WHAT ARE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR DEEP CAVITIES?
Once your cavity has advanced, that is we are no longer talking about just enamel mineralization or onset of enamel decay, we are talking about deep cavity decay, like dentin decay, then you can no longer reverse your cavity with the above remedies.
You will need to see a dentist and go over some treatment options that will be suitable for you, depending on the type of cavity you have, or how deep it has gone. Let’s go over some possible treatment options your dentist might recommend:
1. FILLING: This is a more likely treatment option that your dentist will recommend if the decay has progressed beyond the early stage. Filling involves the removal of the decay inside the cavity to prevent further tooth damage and then filling the decayed parts with either porcelain, amalgam, or tooth-coloured resin. Filling helps prevent the buildup of bacteria, severe infections, and further tooth damage.
2. CROWNS: Your dentist might recommend the use of crowns which is a gold, porcelain, resin, or composite material made to fit over the affected tooth after the decay has been drilled off. Crowns help to preserve weakened or severely decayed teeth before the infection gets to your root.
3. ROOT CANAL : A root canal becomes necessary when tooth decay reaches the inner material of your tooth (pulp). The procedure involves investing filling materials into your pulp.
4. EXTRACTION: Your dentist will only present you with this option if the tooth decay can no longer be treated.
HOW TO KNOW YOU ARE DEVELOPING A CAVITY
The first sign of a developing cavity is usually the appearance of a white spot on a tooth, which can turn brown or black over time. Other symptoms that will follow are:
Sensitivity to hot or cold foods, pain when chewing and sharp pain, especially when eating.
Spotting a cavity early is the best way to avoid tooth decay and only then can you reverse a cavity. When you begin to notice these symptoms, be sure to visit your dentist immediately.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, we have looked at the topic ” Can you reverse a cavity” under different perspective including how to recognise stages of tooth decay and treatment options among others.