Tooth Decay: Know early... no need for fillings

     Stop tooth decay by promoting mineral remineralization... before cavities form. Understand the symptoms of tooth decay from a specialized dentist to maintain strong oral health. Early detection of tooth decay through self-examination or visits to a dentist is crucial when the decay is in its initial stages. Let's first understand the characteristics of tooth decay.

Characteristics of Tooth Decay

1.  Initial Stage of Tooth Decay

     Early-stage tooth decay affects the enamel surface. At this stage, no cavity has formed yet. The sign to look for is a chalky white spot on the smooth surface of the tooth or a brownish-black line in the grooves of the tooth. This stage is crucial. You should visit a dentist promptly to restore the tooth's strength and halt the decay process, preventing the need for a filling.

2.  Visible Cavity in the Tooth

     If you inspect your teeth and find visible cavities in both baby teeth and permanent teeth, this means the decay has progressed. You should consult a dentist immediately for treatment. Waiting until eating becomes difficult or pain sets in is not advisable. If left untreated, the decay can reach the tooth nerve, requiring root canal treatment or even extraction, which is more costly.

How to Reverse Tooth Decay

     Currently, the "Ecological Plaque Hypothesis" theory suggests that tooth decay occurs due to an unfavorable oral environment. This causes bacteria in the plaque to produce acid in large quantities, leading to demineralization and the loss of calcium, a key component of tooth enamel. As the calcium is dissolved, the tooth structure is damaged, eventually forming a cavity.

Therefore, modern treatments focus on early detection of decay in the enamel layer. By restoring balance in the mouth and promoting remineralization, the tooth can be protected from further damage and cavities can be avoided.

How to Create an Environment for Mineral Remineralization

• Brush your teeth to remove plaque properly, both in the morning and before bed.
• Use fluoride toothpaste with a concentration of 1,450–1,500 PPM to help calcium remineralize the enamel, creating stronger enamel crystals.
• Adjust eating habits: Bacteria in the mouth thrive on food, snacks, and drinks containing starch and sugar. As these bacteria survive, they produce acid that damages the teeth. Therefore, improving eating habits can reduce the risk of tooth decay.
• Eat three balanced meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and limit snacks to no more than two times per day. Each meal should last no more than 20 minutes, as prolonged eating exposes the teeth to acid, leading to further mineral loss. During meals, avoid distractions like playing games or chatting.

Treatment for Tooth Decay

     When white spots are detected on your teeth, visit the dentist to have the teeth professionally cleaned and plaque removed. The dentist will apply fluoride gel (with a concentration of up to 22,600 PPM) every 3–6 months to speed up remineralization and stop the decay process on the smooth surface of the teeth. For early-stage decay in the grooves of the teeth, the dentist may apply a plastic sealant to protect the grooves from plaque buildup.

Diagnosis of Tooth Decay

     Additionally, the dentist may take X-rays to detect decay in areas that are not visible during a visual examination. In some cases, a small decay pattern that looks like early-stage decay can be detected on X-rays, showing a larger cavity close to the tooth nerve. This helps the dentist provide proper treatment to prevent pain and further decay.

Prevent Tooth Decay and Encourage Mineral Remineralization... Before Cavities Form

• Brush your teeth thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste (1,450 PPM).
• Adjust eating habits: Eat three main meals a day and limit snacks to two times per day.
• Spend no more than 20 minutes per meal eating.
• Visit a dentist promptly.

Read more: Tips to Prevent Tooth Decay in Children from Pediatric Dentists

Regularly visit the dentist every 6-12 months to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Healthy teeth and gums make eating enjoyable.