Is it possible to reverse cavities

Is it true? Can you reverse tooth decay? What are some ways to help this happen? You may also like:. Easy adjustments can be made to your diet immediately like: Consuming more calcium rich foods i. Avoid drinking pop, juice and drinks with high carbonation as the sugars cause excessive plaque and tartar build up which may result in cavities. If you want to protect your teeth from early decay or heal existing tooth decay, include the following steps in your oral care routine. Brush your teeth at least twice a day ensuring you reach all the surfaces, crevices, pockets and corners.

Floss at least once daily. This helps remove any remaining food from underneath your gums and prevents bacteria from forming. Use mouthwash; it has antibacterial properties and helps you get rid of any remaining bacteria in your mouth.

Applying fluoride directly onto teeth by the use of a fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinse containing fluoride is a great way to coat the teeth with a healthy boost.

Both children and adults can also receive a professional fluoride treatment from the dentist. To properly brush your teeth:. If you have advanced tooth decay, no number of home methods or remedies will heal the cavity. Hundreds of different types live on our teeth, gums, tongue and other places in our mouths. Some bacteria are helpful. But some can be harmful such as those that play a role in the tooth decay process. Tooth decay is the result of an infection with certain types of bacteria that use sugars in food to make acids.

Over time, these acids can make a cavity in the tooth. On one team are dental plaque—sticky, colorless film of bacteria—plus foods and drinks that contain sugar or starch such as milk, bread, cookies, candy, soda, juice, and many others. Whenever we eat or drink something that contains sugar or starch, the bacteria use them to produce acids. These acids begin to eat away at the tooth's hard outer surface, or enamel. On the other team are the minerals in our saliva such as calcium and phosphate plus fluoride from toothpaste, water, and other sources.

This team helps enamel repair itself by replacing minerals lost during an "acid attack. Our teeth go through this natural process of losing minerals and regaining minerals all day long.

When a tooth is exposed to acid frequently -- for example, if you eat or drink often, especially foods or drinks containing sugar and starches -- the repeated cycles of acid attacks cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals.