Caries is a disease that affects the hard tissues of the tooth and destroys them over time. It forms when the protective enamel is consumed by acids and bacteria. Once the outermost layer of the tooth is attached, decay continues to devour it in a degenerative process. If left untreated, it reaches the internal pulp made up of nerves and blood vessels. The only way to remove it completely is to eradicate the infection and cover the resulting cavity. However, there are several ways to keep the problem from getting worse until you have a chance to visit the dentist.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preventing Caries from Worsening
Step 1. Brush the infected area thoroughly
Theoretically, brushing your teeth helps prevent tooth decay. However, it is also important to do this to avoid worsening of this disease. The accumulation of food stimulates the proliferation of bacteria that penetrate the lesion, aggravating the situation. When brushing, focus on the decayed tooth to remove food debris and slow down the development of cavities.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and don't press it too hard when moving it. Move it back and forth with gentle movements for at least 2 minutes in total.
- Brush your teeth twice a day and every time you finish eating. In the case of loved ones, it is very important to keep the mouth clean because bacterial plaque starts to form within 20 minutes after meals.
Step 2. Identify the symptoms
Dental caries forms gradually and can sometimes be present and progress asymptomatically. This is one of the reasons why regular dental visits are important. Generally, the formation and the advanced phase are accompanied by a certain symptom set. If you have the following symptoms, make an appointment with your dentist. While you wait for the day of your visit, take action to prevent it from getting worse.
- A white spot on the tooth is the first indication of tooth decay or fluorosis. This is where the acids have consumed the minerals in the enamel. Caries is still in a reversible stage, so take action as soon as you notice this sign.
- Dental sensitivity is a symptom that usually occurs following the consumption of sweet, hot or cold food or drinks. It does not always indicate cavities, in fact many people have sensitive teeth. However, if you don't belong in this category and suddenly start to feel some sensitivity when consuming certain foods and drinks, it could be worrying.
- You feel pain when you chew.
- Have you got a toothache. When the tooth decay is so advanced that it reaches the nerves of the tooth, you may experience persistent pain. It can get worse when you eat and drink, but it can also wake up spontaneously.
- You see a hole in the tooth. It indicates that the disease is very advanced and has significantly eroded the tooth.
- Caries can be present and develop over time without causing symptoms.
Step 3. Use a fluoride treatment
Fluoride is bacteriostatic, therefore it hinders the reproduction of bacteria inside the mouth. In addition, it strengthens the teeth by remineralizing the enamel and making them more resistant to tooth decay. If you've spotted tooth decay early enough, a good fluoride treatment can even reverse the degenerative process. You can buy one at the pharmacy, but if you want a stronger product, you need the advice of the dentist. The best option would be a professional topical fluoride application by your dentist, but there are several products to use while you are waiting to go to his office for your visit.
- Fluoride toothpaste. Most commercial toothpastes contain around 1000-1500 ppm (parts per million) of sodium fluoride. Your dentist may also prescribe a fluoride-enriched toothpaste that contains around 5000 ppm of sodium fluoride.
- Fluoride rinses. You can do them every day. Typically, these are mouthwashes that contain 225-1000 ppm of sodium fluoride.
- Fluoride dental gel. It is dense and stays on the teeth for a long time. Spray it in the appropriate gel holder and insert it in the mouth, above the teeth.
Step 4. Drink water
Dry mouth can accelerate tooth decay by promoting the accumulation of bacteria responsible for this disease. Keep it moist to slow the development of the disease and eliminate food particles that risk making it worse.
If the mouth remains dry despite proper hydration, it could be a symptom of a wider disease or even a result of certain medications. See your doctor if you can't relieve dry mouth
Step 5. Chew sugar-free gum with xylitol
Xylitol is an alcohol extracted from plants. It has antibacterial properties and is used to prevent infections. Gums containing 1-20 g of xylitol help kill bacteria that cause and aggravate tooth decay. If you suspect you have a bad tooth, try chewing them to slow bacterial growth until you go to the dentist.
- Make sure the package says xylitol. It is the least cariogenic sugar of all.
- The gums also stimulate salivation and, as a result, help remove food particles and keep tooth enamel strong.
Step 6. Try salt water rinses
Salt water has antiseptic properties. Dentists often recommend it to treat wounds or infections in the oral cavity. Salt water is also capable of killing the bacteria responsible for tooth decay, slowing their proliferation until you consult your dentist.
- Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
- Put some in your mouth and hold the solution for 1 minute. Shake it by focusing on the decayed tooth.
- Repeat the treatment 3 times a day.
Step 7. Brush your teeth with licorice root
Although it has not been extensively studied, there is evidence that licorice root helps prevent and slow the development of tooth decay. It is capable of destroying the responsible bacteria and decreasing inflammation. Try using it if you want a home remedy that will slow down the degenerative process of this disease while you wait for the dentist to see you.
- Some toothpastes are based on licorice root. Alternatively, you can buy it in powder form and mix it with toothpaste.
- Look for deglycyrrhizinated licorice, which does not contain glycyrrhizin, a substance that can cause unpleasant and often serious side effects.
- Always consult your doctor before using licorice root. It can interact with some medications, including ACE inhibitors, insulin, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and oral contraceptives. It can also cause health problems in people with certain conditions, including liver and kidney disease, diabetes, heart failure, heart disease, and hormone-sensitive cancers.
Step 8. Avoid refined sugar
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that produce acid and thrive in acidic environments. They feed on the sugar present in dental plaque. This is why the consumption of sugary foods and drinks should be minimized. If you can, brush your teeth after eating.
Starchy foods, such as potatoes, bread, and pasta, also provide a hospitable environment for acid-producing bacteria. So, limit your consumption of simple and refined carbohydrates and brush your teeth after meals
Part 2 of 3: Contacting the Dentist for Caries Treatment
Step 1. Learn about treatment options
Depending on how advanced the disease is, your dentist may recommend different types of treatment. If you have any questions about the procedures, don't hesitate to ask them.
Step 2. Get professional fluoride treatment
If the tooth decay has recently formed and is still very small, the dentist may discard the more invasive treatments and treat it with a massive application of fluoride. Usually, it is spread over the affected tooth and left to act for a few minutes. It allows to restore the enamel and, if applied promptly, favors the remineralization of the tooth.
Even if the treatment lasts only a few minutes, you will not be able to eat or drink for at least 30 minutes after it is finished if you want to allow the fluoride to penetrate properly
Step 3. Proceed with the filling if your dentist recommends it
Very often, caries is not detected in time for fluoride treatment to be effective. In this case, a filling will be required. During the procedure, the dentist pierces the injured part of the tooth, then fills the hole with a special material.
- Typically, porcelain or an appropriate resin is used to fill the lesion left by caries, especially for the teeth that are in the front. They are the best materials because they can be adapted to mimic the natural tooth enamel.
- It is preferable to fill the posterior teeth with a silver or gold based amalgam as they are very resistant materials. Also, plaque tends to accumulate on the back teeth.
Step 4. Opt for root canal filling if the caries has advanced to the pulp
The dentist will remove the infected dental pulp, apply an antiseptic to eliminate bacteria, and then fill the tooth with a sealing material. Usually this treatment is the extreme attempt to save the tooth before considering the extraction.
In most cases, a crown ("capsule") is placed when a root canal filling is performed
Step 5. Ask the dentist to extract the tooth if it is badly damaged by decay and cannot be recovered
In this case, he will extract the infected tooth. After that, he can offer you a dental implant both for aesthetic reasons and to prevent other teeth from migrating.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing tooth decay
Step 1. Brush your teeth twice a day
Keep your teeth clean and healthy by washing them twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and change it every 3-4 months. To clean them effectively, follow these instructions.
- Tilt the toothbrush 45 degrees relative to the gums. Remember that plaque tends to build up between the gums and teeth.
- Gently move it back and forth, with small movements covering the extent of one tooth.
- Brush both the outside and inside of your teeth.
- Continue for about two minutes.
- Finish with the tongue. If you don't clean it, you will allow numerous bacteria to contaminate your mouth again as soon as you stop brushing your teeth.
- Repeat the cleaning at least twice a day.
Step 2. Use dental floss every day
In addition to toothbrushing and toothpaste, flossing is also essential if you want to keep your mouth healthy. Get used to using it at least once a day, although two would be ideal. Follow these simple steps to make sure you are using it correctly.
- Cut them about 45 cm. Wrap most of it around the middle finger of one hand and the rest around the other middle finger.
- Firmly grasp the thread between your thumb and forefinger. Slip it between two teeth and scrub.
- When it reaches the gum, fold it into a "C" shape to accommodate the curves of the tooth.
- Let it slide firmly against the tooth and gently move it up and down.
- Repeat with the other teeth.
- Cut more thread as you proceed with the cleaning.
- If your teeth stick together without leaving any gaps, opt for waxed dental floss. You may also find floss bows more helpful. The most important thing is to constantly use these precious toothbrush allies.
Step 3. Rinse with mouthwash
Some mouthwashes mask bad breath without killing bacteria and removing the plaque responsible for bad breath and tooth decay. When purchasing, check that it is indicated against the plaque. Click here if you want a comparison table of the best mouthwashes.
- Buy a product that can reduce plaque, fight gingivitis and tooth decay, and relieve bad breath.
- There are many mouthwashes with little or no alcohol that are effective for oral health. Opt for these products if you can't stand the burning sensation caused by the more common ones.
Step 4. Eat a healthy diet
What you eat affects oral health. Some foods are good for your teeth, while others should be reduced or avoided altogether.
- Eat high-fiber foods. Fibers help remove dental plaque. In addition, they stimulate salivation, which in turn frees the mouth from acids and enzymes that are harmful to the teeth. To get these nutrients, opt for fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grains.
- Eat dairy products. Milk, cheese and plain yogurt also stimulate salivation. In addition, they contain calcium which strengthens tooth enamel.
- Drink tea. Green tea and black tea contain nutrients that help break down plaque and slow the growth of bacteria. Moreover, if the water contains fluoride, the effectiveness will be double.
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks. Sugar increases plaque formation and bacteria growth, promoting tooth decay. So, limit your consumption of candy and fizzy drinks. If you eat something sweet during meals and drink lots of water, your mouth will produce more saliva which will help eliminate sugar and reduce the development of acids and bacteria.
- Brush your teeth after eating starchy foods. Potatoes and corn get stuck more easily between the teeth, promoting tooth decay. Prevent it by using your toothbrush and toothpaste right away.
Step 5. Avoid acidifying drinks
These are carbonated drinks, alcoholic drinks and even fruit juices that can promote the growth of the bacteria responsible for tooth decay. So, consume these drinks in moderation or eliminate them completely from your eating habits.
- The most harmful are sports drinks (like Gatorade), energy drinks (like Red Bull) and sodas (like Coca-Cola). Carbonation can promote dental wear.
- Drink lots of water. Rinse your mouth with water after drinking an acidifying drink.
- Remember that even 100% pure fruit juices contain sugar. Dilute them in equal parts with water, especially before giving them to children. Limit your consumption and, as soon as drunk, rinse your mouth with water.
Step 6. Go to the dentist regularly
Usually, you have to be seen every 6 months. Meet this deadline if you want to have a healthy mouth. During the appointment, the dentist will carry out a thorough cleaning of the teeth, eliminating the plaque accumulated in the last months. It will also check for any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and any other oral health issues.
- It can also detect very small caries. If he detects it promptly, he can treat it without the use of invasive procedures.
- For example, very small tooth decay can be treated by adopting positive lifestyle changes, maintaining good oral hygiene, and applying fluoride-based treatments. Doing so stimulates the "remineralization" of the teeth, a process of natural enamel regeneration.
Advice
Typically, tooth cleaning involves removing tartar, polishing all tooth surfaces, and applying fluoride
Warnings
- If you think you have a bad tooth, consult your dentist. Worsening should be prevented, but the only way to cure it is to remove the necrotic parts.
- Since tooth decay can be asymptomatic, it risks going unnoticed. Go to the dentist for a regular check-up.
