Maintaining your oral health is crucial to keep a healthy smile. Have you wondered how to stop tooth decay? What is it? And how to treat it?
Most people are conscious that poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease and bad breath. If you want to learn how to stop tooth decay naturally, this article is for you.
In this blog, we will answer all your questions surrounding gum disease and how to prevent it.
What is tooth decay and gum disease?
tooth decay, also called tooth cavities, is a result of a soft enamel caused by certain acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. It usually destroys the outer hard layer. If left unchecked, the acids can slowly eat the next tooth layer, which leads to a vulnerable root that might turn into a cavity.
According to Health Time Research, it’s estimated that 2.4 billion people in the world are affected by tooth decay. People of any age can get decayed teeth, from childhood to senior. If it’s not treated properly, it will cause pain and infection, as well as loss of teeth.
What are the causes of tooth decay?
It is essential to know the causes to find out how to stop tooth decay.
According to the Natural Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, tooth decay starts when the bacteria that live naturally in the mouth come in contact with sugar and other products that you eat, forming an acid. This acid attacks and eats away the tooth enamel, which leads to losing vital minerals.
When this acid attack is repeated whenever you eat or drink sugary products, the enamel of the tooth continues to lose minerals. After some time, the enamel becomes weak and might get destroyed, leaving a cavity.
Tooth decay and gum disease in children
Similar to adults, all children have oral bacteria. Therefore, all children are prone to decay. To know how to stop tooth decay in babies, you news to learn the symptoms.
What are the symptoms of tooth decay in children?
- White spots on the tooth could be an indicator that the enamel is being destroyed.
- Early teeth sensitivity
- An early light brown cavity in the tooth.
- Painful and swollen gum around the cavity
- Sensitivity to certain foods, such as cold drinks and ice cream
How to stop tooth decay in toddlers?
learning how to prevent tooth decay in babies is not enough, you need to be their role model and practice these healthy habits yourself.
- Start brushing the teeth of your child when they first appear.
- Use a small amount of toothpaste, as small as a grain of rice, for children younger than 3 years old.
- Practice daily flossing for children older than 2 years old.
- Follow a healthy diet and limit the child’s access to sugary foods, such as chocolate and candy.
- Only give your child water at bedtime, as milk has a high amount of natural sugars.
- Take care of your kid’s oral health by scheduling monthly dental checkups at the dental clinic.
If you are wondering how to choose the best pediatric dentist near Amman, check dr. Nour AlFarah, a specialized pediatric dentist with over 14 years of work experience.
How to stop tooth decay with 5 home remedies
If you want to know how to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, you can use these natural remedies the help answer how to stop tooth decay at home.
Using Licorice Root
Because of its antibacterial properties, Licorice Root can prevent cavities.
You can either chew on the root or boil it in a pot of water, strain then drink. Repeat the process 2 to 3 times a week.
Opting for toothpaste with Flouride
Fluoride toothpaste slows enamel decomposition, remineralizes it, and prevents decay. It promotes the hardening of the enamel and protects it from acid.
You should brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, and make sure your kid uses only a small amount every time they brush their teeth.
Applying cinnamon oil
It prevents decay due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. You can put a few drops of it in half a cup of water and rinse your mouth with it occasionally.
Eat foods enriched with vitamin D
Whether it’s supplementary pills or foods rich in vitamin D, like fish and milk. It helps to reverse tooth decay and cavities and prevents gum disease.
Calcium products
In addition to its protective qualities for the gum, it is essential for bone and teeth safety. Use supplementary pills or change your diet to get more calcium.
Repairing tooth decay
The treatment includes removing the destroyed part of the enamel and filling the cavity with safe materials decided by the dentist. These materials are called restorations, and there are two types:
- One way is direct restoration, where the dentist places a previously prepared filling in the cavity. The fillings are usually made from resin, acrylic acids, or glass powder.
- The other way is indirect restoration, where the dentist uses bridges, veneers, and crowns constructed from materials that look like natural teeth.
In conclusion
Tooth decay is an oral health problem that faces people of all ages. As simple as it sounds, this problem could lead to extremely sensitive and painful gum and even losing teeth.
There are many ways to prevent tooth decay, by maintaining simple habits and some home remedies.
Keeping up with your dental health is crucial, and choosing the best dentist like Dr. Nour AlFarah is the first step toward recovery. With the best medical equipment and modern dental clinic, Dr. Nour AlFarah provides essential preventative and restorative care.
How to stop tooth decay naturally?
There are many home remedies to prevent tooth decay, such as cinnamon oil, vitamin D, and Calcium.
Can you stop tooth decay?
The simple answer is YES. By going to the dentist as early as the symptoms start to show. You can also try natural remedies like licorice roots and cinnamon oil.
How to stop tooth decay with Fluoride?
Fluoride has antibiotical properties that help prevent tooth decay. It provides a great environment to remineralize the teeth and hardens their layers.