One of the main reasons you visit your Hyde Park dental clinic for checkups is to have your dentist to check your teeth for decay. In most cases, any signs of decay call for a filling. However, in some cases, decay is mild enough to reverse through remineralization.
When Can Cavities Remineralize?
Cavities can sometimes remineralize in the early stages of tooth decay. This is possible as long as the decay has not passed through the dentin. If there is any pain in the tooth, damage from decay is already severe and will require treatment.
How Can You Heal the Tooth?
The main thing you can do to remineralize your decayed tooth is change your diet. You should eat plenty of foods high in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K2, magnesium, and phosphorous. This includes vegetables, nuts, and seafood.
You should also limit your intake of acidic foods. If you eat or drink anything sugary, rinse your mouth with water and wait at least 45 minutes before brushing.
Finally, if you use a mouthwash, use something with only natural ingredients. Avoid products that will kill all the bacteria in your mouth — this will also kill the beneficial bacteria that are helping to repair your tooth.
It usually takes a few months to remineralize a tooth. Your dentist will ask you to come back to the clinic after this time frame to check that the tooth has healed, or if it is at least progressing.
When Do You Need a Filling?
Only a dentist can tell if decay is mild enough that it may remineralize or if you need a filling. It is critical that you receive checkups every six months and book additional appointments if you ever notice any signs of decay. This will give your London Ontario dentist the chance to repair the tooth as early as possible and prevent the decay from spreading.
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