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This article was co-written by Ken Miyazato, DDS. Dr. Miyazato is a dentist at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in the San Francisco Bay Area. He received his DDS from Pacific University in 2013 and completed his residency at Lutheran Medical Center in 2014. .
There are 27 references cited in this article that you can see at the bottom of the page.
This post has been viewed 54,089 times.
Tooth decay is a condition in which teeth appear small holes that grow larger over time, occurring when the enamel that protects the teeth is eroded by acids and bacteria. When the enamel layer is gone, small holes continue to grow deeper into the tooth and lead to a condition called “cavity”. If left untreated, the decay will eat into the pulp of the tooth, including nerves and blood vessels. The only way to get rid of a cavity is to have a filling. [1] X Source of Research There are however some steps you should take to prevent tooth decay from developing until you can see your dentist.
Steps
Prevents cavities from developing
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Carefully clean the affected area. In theory, brushing can prevent tooth decay, but once a cavity is present, brushing has an important role in preventing the gap from growing larger. Food plaque causes bacteria to multiply, which enter the opening and worsen the condition. Focus on cleaning the area around the gap to remove leftovers and prevent tooth decay from developing. [2] X Research Source
- Use a soft-bristled brush and do not press too hard when moving. Move the brush back and forth gently for a minimum of 2 minutes. [3] X Research Sources
- Brush your teeth twice daily and after eating. It’s important to keep your mouth clean once you have a cavity, as plaque begins to form within 20 minutes of eating. [4] X Research Sources
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Look for symptoms of tooth decay. Cavities occur very slowly and sometimes clefts can persist and grow without showing any symptoms. [5] X Research Source That’s why you should visit your dentist regularly. There are several signs that a cleft is forming or has invaded most of the tooth. If you notice the following symptoms you should see your dentist, but in the meantime you can take the following steps to prevent clefts from developing. [6] X Research Sources[7] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source
- White spots on teeth. This could be the first sign of tooth decay or fluorosis, the white spot where acid has eaten away the mineral portion of tooth enamel. The situation is still fixable at this point, so you need to act immediately if you see such signs.
- Sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity usually occurs after consuming sweet, hot or cold foods or drinks. [8] X Sources Sensitivity is not strictly a sign of tooth decay and many people have sensitive teeth when the condition is normal. However, if you have never had tooth sensitivity before, and suddenly experience it when consuming certain foods or drinks, this could be a sign of concern. [9] X Research Source
- Pain when biting.
- Toothache. When the cleft grows to the point that it affects the nerve of the tooth, you will feel a constant pain in that tooth, the pain is worse when eating or drinking. Toothache can also occur spontaneously without any impact.
- There are visible holes in the teeth. This is a sign that the tooth decay is severe and the gap has eroded the tooth quite a lot.
- The cleft can persist and grow over time without showing any symptoms.
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Fluoride treatment. Fluoride has bacteriostatic properties, which means that it inhibits bacteria from multiplying in the mouth, in addition to strengthening teeth by remineralizing tooth enamel and helping to better fight tooth decay. If the cleft is detected early, fluoride treatment can reverse the situation. Fluoride supplements are sold without a doctor’s prescription, but to buy stronger products you must consult a doctor. The best solution is to use a specialized topical fluoride product prescribed by your dentist, but there are a number of products you can use while you wait to see your dentist. [10] X Research Source[11] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source
- Fluoride toothpaste. Most of these toothpastes are available without a prescription and have sodium fluoride levels between 1000-1500 ppm. Your dentist may prescribe a fluoride toothpaste containing approximately 5000 ppm sodium fluoride.
- Fluoride mouthwash. You can use this mouthwash every day, they usually contain between 225-1000 ppm sodium fluoride. Look for water that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval to make sure it’s been tested.
- The gel contains fluoride. This gel is thick and will stay on the teeth for a longer time. Use by straining the gel into the tray and then apply it on the teeth.
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Drink water. A dry mouth can accelerate tooth decay because decay-causing bacteria accumulate in the mouth. Always keep your mouth moist to slow down this process and rinse away food particles that are the cause of worse tooth decay. [12] X Research Source
- If your mouth remains dry even after drinking a lot of water, it could be a symptom of something more serious, or caused by prescription medications. Tell your doctor if dry mouth continues.
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Chew sugar-free gum containing xylitol. Xylitp is a natural alcohol extracted from plants, it has antibacterial properties and is used to prevent infection. Chewing gum contains 1-20 grams of xyltp, which kills bacteria that cause tooth decay. If you suspect that you have a cavity in your teeth, you should chew gum containing xylitol while you wait for your dental visit. [13] X Research Source
- Look for gum with the ADA seal. This is to make sure you don’t buy the wrong quality candy and make the tooth decay worse.
- Chewing gum also stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away food plaque and keeps tooth enamel strong. [14] X Research Source
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Gargle with salt water. Salt water has antiseptic properties and is often recommended by dentists when treating a wound or infection in the mouth. Salt water also has the ability to kill and inhibit bacteria that cause tooth decay while waiting for a dentist to treat. [15] X Research Source[16] X Research Source
- Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
- Take a full sip and gargle the water in your mouth for 1 minute. Focus on the decayed tooth.
- Gargle three times daily.
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Brush your teeth with licorice root. Although there has been no in-depth research on this, there is evidence that licorice root can prevent and inhibit tooth decay. Licorice root can kill bacteria that cause tooth decay and reduce inflammation. [17] X Research Sources[18] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to the source Here’s how to treat yourself at home to limit the opening if you’re not planning on seeing your dentist right away.
- Some brands of toothpaste contain licorice root. [19] X Research Source If you can’t buy this cream you can buy licorice root powder and mix it with toothpaste.
- Be sure to buy a licorice extract that has had glycyrrhiza (DGL) removed, which is a compound that causes unpleasant and quite serious side effects. [20] X Research Source
- Always consult your doctor before using licorice root. Licorice root may interact with certain medications, including ACE inhibitors, insulin, MAO inhibitors, and oral contraceptives. It also causes some health problems in people with conditions such as liver or kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease or hormone-sensitive cancers. [21] X Research Source
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Avoid consuming refined sugar. Cavities are caused by acid-producing bacteria, which thrive in acidic environments. This strain of bacteria lives on the amount of sugar left in food plaque, which is why you should limit your consumption of sweet foods and drinks. If possible, you should brush your teeth after eating. [22] X Research Sources[23] X Credible Sources University of Rochester Medical Center Go to Source
- Starchy foods like potatoes, bread, and pasta also create a favorable environment for acid-producing bacteria to thrive. Limit your consumption of refined simple carbohydrates, and brush your teeth after eating. [24] X Research Source
See a dentist to treat tooth decay
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Discuss treatments with your dentist. Depending on the extent of the decay, they will suggest different treatment options. You can ask if you are not sure about the treatment procedures.
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Treat with specialized products containing fluoride. If the cleft has only just appeared and is still small, the dentist usually does not apply an invasive treatment, but only recommends applying a fluoride product to the tooth and letting it sit for a few minutes. Chloride helps restore tooth enamel in decay and with early treatment, teeth can be re-mineralized. [25] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source
- This treatment only takes a few minutes, but you won’t be able to eat or drink for at least 30 minutes after it’s done to allow the fluoride to penetrate deep into your teeth.
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Fill teeth if recommended by dentist. Cavities are often discovered when it is too late for fluoride to be effective, when you need a filling. Fillings are made by drilling out the decayed area on the tooth, then the dentist fills the gap with a material. [26] X Research Sources
- Usually they use porcelain or composite resin to fill the gap, especially for the anterior teeth. These are top picks because they are similar in color to the natural color of your teeth. [27] X Research Source
- For fillings inside teeth the dentist can use silver or gold alloys because they are harder. Plaque also often accumulates more on the back teeth. [28] X Research Sources
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Talk to your dentist about a root canal if the decay has reached the pulp. They will remove the affected pulp, use an antiseptic that kills bacteria, and then fill it with a material. This is often the last resort before having to have a tooth extracted. [29] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source
- Normally, after the pulp is removed, you will have to cover the crown (like a “hat” for the tooth). [30] X Research Source
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Consider extraction if the damage caused by decay is so severe that it cannot be repaired. Then the dentist will have to extract the decayed tooth. After extraction, you can plant dentures to create aesthetics and prevent adjacent teeth from moving. [31] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source
Prevent tooth decay
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Brush your teeth twice daily. Use a soft-bristled brush and replace it with a new one every 3-4 months. To ensure effective brushing technique you should follow the guidelines of the American Dental Association. [32] X Research Source
- Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Plaque often accumulates along the gum line.
- Gently move the brush back and forth with short strokes, the length of each stroke should be as long as the width of a tooth.
- Scrub both the outer and inner surfaces of the teeth.
- Beat continuously for about two minutes.
- Finally scrub your tongue. Not scrubbing your tongue also means you’re missing a lot of bacteria, which will spread throughout your mouth as soon as you’re done brushing.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
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Clean your teeth with dental floss every day. Along with brushing, flossing is also very important for oral health. You should brush your teeth at least once a day, although ideally twice. Follow these simple steps to ensure proper dental hygiene technique.
- Use about 46 cm of floss. Wrap most of the thread length around the middle finger on one hand, the rest around the middle finger of the other hand.
- Grip the thread between your thumb and index finger, then pull it back and forth between the teeth.
- When the thread touches the gum line, shape the thread into a “C” to follow the tooth shape.
- Hold the thread firmly against the tooth and move it up and down gently.
- Repeat the whole process with the remaining teeth.
- Alternately use new sections during this process.
- If your teeth are too tight, choose a wax-only or “slippery” type. Dental floss is also a useful product that you can use, but it is important to floss regularly every day. [33] X Research Sources
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Use a mouthwash approved by the American Dental Association. Some mouthwashes only work to cover bad breath but do not kill bacteria and cannot remove plaque that is the cause of bad breath and tooth decay. When buying, you should choose water that has the ADA seal of certification, which shows that the product has been tested and approved by the ADA for its ability to remove plaque. [34] X Trusted Source American Dental Association Go to Source Click here for a complete list of ADA-certified mouthwashes.
- Make sure to buy the right mouthwash that can remove plaque, fight gingivitis and tooth decay, and reduce bad breath. [35] X Research Source
- There are many mouthwashes that contain little or no alcohol but are still good for oral health. If you can’t stand the “hot” feeling caused by traditional mouthwash, then buy this one.
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Maintain a healthy diet for your teeth. What you eat has a huge impact on your oral health. Some foods are great for teeth, while others should be consumed sparingly or completely avoided. [36] X Trusted Source University of Rochester Medical Center Go to Source[37] X Research Source
- Eat foods rich in fiber. Fiber helps remove plaque from teeth, stimulates saliva production, and removes harmful acids and enzymes from teeth. Fiber is found in fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grain products.
- Eat dairy products. Milk, cheese, and unsweetened yogurt also stimulate saliva production. They also contain calcium, which strengthens the quality of tooth enamel.
- Drink tea. Nutrients in green and black tea help break down plaque and limit the rate at which bacteria grow. Brewing tea with fluoridated water will double the nutrient content for teeth.
- Avoid foods and drinks that contain sugar. Sugar causes plaque and bacteria to grow faster, which is the cause of tooth decay. So you must limit the consumption of sweets and soft drinks as much as possible. If you want to eat sweet foods, you should eat them with meals and drink lots of water. This will help your mouth produce more saliva to help wash away the sugar, reducing the growth of acids and bacteria.
- Brush your teeth after eating starchy foods. Foods like potatoes and corn easily get stuck between your teeth, so you have to brush your teeth after eating to avoid tooth decay.
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Avoid acidic drinks. Soft drinks, alcohol and even fruit juices are all acidic, which can promote the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay. [38] X Research Source[39] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source[40] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source You should only take these medications in moderation right, or give up altogether.
- The biggest culprits are sports drinks like Gatorade, energy drinks like Red Bull and sodas like Coke. The carbon dioxide in these drinks causes teeth to corrode faster. [41] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source[42] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source
- Drink a lot of water. Gargle after consuming acidic drinks.
- Remember that 100% pure fruit juice also contains sugar, so you should dilute it with water in a ratio of 1:1, especially for children. Limit consumption and rinse your mouth after drinking fruit juice.
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Periodic dental check-ups. Usually dentists ask patients to return for a check-up every 6 months. You should follow this schedule to ensure that your teeth are in healthy condition. Each dentist visit will clean your mouth thoroughly, removing plaque that has accumulated over the previous months. They also check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or any other possible problems. [43] X Research Source
- Dentists can detect very small openings as soon as they appear. If detected early, they can easily treat tooth decay without using invasive procedures.
- For example, lifestyle changes, proper oral hygiene and fluoride treatment are enough to eliminate small cavities. This method stimulates the natural “remineralization” of the teeth. [44] X Research Source
Advice
- A typical dental office cleaning session typically includes tartar, polishing, and fluoride cleaning.
Warning
- You should see your dentist if you think you have tooth decay. Preventing tooth decay from developing is a good idea, but the only way to get rid of it is to have it treated by a dentist.
- You may not realize you have tooth decay because it doesn’t always show symptoms, so it’s a good idea to have regular dental checkups.
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This article was co-written by Ken Miyazato, DDS. Dr. Miyazato is a dentist at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in the San Francisco Bay Area. He received his DDS from Pacific University in 2013 and completed his residency at Lutheran Medical Center in 2014. .
There are 27 references cited in this article that you can see at the bottom of the page.
This post has been viewed 54,089 times.
Tooth decay is a condition in which teeth appear small holes that grow larger over time, occurring when the enamel that protects the teeth is eroded by acids and bacteria. When the enamel layer is gone, small holes continue to grow deeper into the tooth and lead to a condition called “cavity”. If left untreated, the decay will eat into the pulp of the tooth, including nerves and blood vessels. The only way to get rid of a cavity is to have a filling. [1] X Source of Research There are however some steps you should take to prevent tooth decay from developing until you can see your dentist.
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