a young girl is dealing with a tooth cavity
How to Reverse a Cavity with Remineralisation?
sep

Cavity is a word that makes everybody a little nervous. The prospect of dental drills and fillings can make many people postpone their appointments with the dentist for as long as possible.

Fortunately, cavities can be stopped and even reversed, and that too, without any drilling. Remineralisation can make this possible by protecting teeth against infection.

Individuals who have tried to look for ways to self-treat cavities or received treatment from an expert, Hope Island Dentist, might be aware of this procedure. Here is everything about remineralisation and how it can reverse early stage cavities. It can help reduce the probability of tooth decay and maintain optimum oral health.

1.   Understanding Remineralisation

A cavity begins when the enamel of your tooth is damaged. It breaks down due to bacteria in your mouth when they feed on sweet foods like chocolates, candies, and even sugar from fruits, and produce acid.

It can remove the minerals in your tooth enamel and weaken these spots. If we do nothing, the weak spots become cavities. If you detect a cavity in an early stage before the enamel gets too damaged, your tooth can reverse the damage.

The process of enamel reclamation is called remineralisation. It is your body's defence against further damage and the natural process of restoring enamel with minerals like calcium and phosphate. It also involves some help from fluoride or minerals in other products.

2.   Signs of Remineralisation

You will not always experience pain when a cavity is forming.  Here are some signs to look for:

  • White spots or lines on your teeth
  • Sensitivity to sweetness or cold drinks
  • Chalky or stingy feeling on a tooth

If you see any of these signs, it’s time to visit your local Hope Island Dentist to diagnose the issue as early as possible.

3.   Natural Ways to Remineralise

Here are some effective and natural ways to remineralise your cavity:

  1. Good Oral Hygiene

Brush twice daily, floss each day and avoid snacking between meals. That will cut down on acid attacks to your teeth. Also, when you brush, use only a soft bristled toothbrush and do not damage your enamel further.

  1. Eliminate sugar and acidic foods
    The first thing you can do is eliminate sugar and processed food from your diet. Bacteria feed on sugar, which produces acid, causing weakening of the enamel. It would be best to stop the issue from getting worse.
  2. Fluoride Products
    Fluoride is a mineral that helps remineralise and harden enamel. Your dentist may recommend the use of fluoride toothpaste, mouth rinse or a professional fluoride treatment at the clinic.
  3. Calcium and phosphate supplements
    There are products, such as remineralising gels, as well as toothpaste that contain calcium and phosphate. They reintroduce essential minerals, with fluoride making the tooth enamel stronger and stopping cavities from developing further.
  4. Professional Monitoring and Advice
    Only a dentist can tell if your cavity is still in the stage of development that can be reversed. When you visit your Hope Island Dentist regularly, you will be able to have ongoing monitoring and good direction.

4.   When Natural Ways Do Not Work

Remember, remineralisation only works on very early cavities that have not yet formed a hole. If the cavity has penetrated the enamel, you will need a filling from your dentist.

However, a dentist can take X-rays or check the depth of your cavity visually. So don't leave it until pain starts by that time, it could be too late for any natural healing.

5.   Natural Remedies: Do They Work?

There are many tips online about using coconut oil or turmeric, or making herbal rinses to help reverse cavities. Some of these approaches may help reduce bacteria or reduce inflammation.

However, they are not alternatives to the science-based approaches, such as fluoride or supplements with calcium. If you are not able to identify the benefit of reverse cavity, visit your dentist before it is too late.

Wrapping Up

Cavities do not have to end in drill and fill if you detect them early. Proper brushing, a good diet, and dentist recommended products can trigger remineralisation.

So, if you are at risk of developing cavities, look for a trusted dentist who can help reverse the damage caused by early stage cavities. When it comes to oral health, prevention is always better than cure.