Are you dealing with cavities and looking for an easy way to fix them? If so, you may be wondering if it’s possible for cavities to be fixed without a dentist. The good news is that you can absolutely take your dental health into your own hands to prevent tooth decay!
However, it’s important to know what to look for and how to take care of your teeth in order to avoid tooth decay (dental caries) in the first place. Your tooth’s enamel doesn’t regenerate, so you need to take good care of it!
Read on for some helpful information all about cavities – from causes and prevention to detection and repair. And of course, we’ll also answer the important question: can cavities be fixed without a dentist?
All about tooth decay (dental caries)
Tooth decay is damage to a tooth’s surface or enamel. It occurs when bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the delicate tooth enamel.
Tooth decay can lead to cavities (dental caries), which are holes in your teeth. If tooth decay is left untreated, it can cause pain, or lead to infection, and even tooth loss.
The 4 causes of tooth decay
There are four common causes of tooth decay. They are:
Poor oral hygiene
This means not brushing and flossing regularly, which allows plaque (a sticky film of food and bacteria) to build up on teeth and produce acids.
Eating sugary foods and drinks
The more sugar you eat, the more acid is produced in your mouth, which can lead to cavities.
Not getting enough fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent cavities by making teeth more resistant to acid.
Dry mouth
This condition can be caused by certain medications and medical conditions. It can even be the result of simply not drinking enough water! Saliva helps protect teeth from cavities by washing away food and bacteria.
There are a few things you can do to prevent tooth decay and keep your tooth enamel healthy:
Brushing properly
Take care to brush your teeth at least twice a day, using a fluoride toothpaste. To brush correctly, use a small amount of toothpaste and gentle circular motions. Always take your time and brush the front, back, and top of each tooth.
Flossing regularly
It’s best to floss daily to remove plaque and leftover food from between your teeth. Proper flossing involves using about 18 inches of floss, wrapping it around your middle fingers, and using a gentle back-and-forth motion.
If you aren’t going to floss, you should at least use a water pick to remove food and plaque from between your teeth. Adding mouth rinses or a fluoride mouthwash after brushing can also help target areas between your teeth.
Dental checkups
See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Regular visits are a great way of fighting tooth decay because they allow your dentist to identify any potential problems and treat them before they become serious.
Avoiding bad habits
Avoid bad habits like smoking and chewing tobacco, which can stain teeth and damage gum tissue. Additionally, avoid sugary drinks and foods as much as possible. If you do eat sugary foods or chew gum, brush your teeth afterward.
How dental cavities are repaired
If you already have cavities, don’t worry – they can be repaired! Here’s how:
Detection
The first step is detection. Your dentist will use a small mirror to examine your teeth and look for any cavities. Your dentist may also use the support of dental x-rays to detect cavities between your teeth.
Drilling
Once cavities are detected, the next step is drilling. This involves numbing the area around the cavity and using a drill to remove the decayed portion of the tooth.
If the tooth is severely decayed, instead of drilling and filling you may need a tooth extraction. This is a much more painful and intensive procedure.
Filling and/or crowns
After the decay is removed, the dentist will fill the cavity with a filling. Fillings can be made a variety of materials, including gold, silver amalgam (a mixture of metals), or tooth-colored composite resin. These are topped with dental sealants.
In some cases, a crown (a type of “cap”) may be placed over the tooth to protect it from further damage. Crowns are typically made of porcelain or ceramic.
Can cavities be fixed without a dentist?
Unfortunately, no. Only a dentist can properly repair a cavity, so you should make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible. However, you can take steps to halt the decay and prevent future damage.
For example, the beginning stages of a cavity can be reversed by taking steps toward good oral hygiene. During early demineralization -the early stage of tooth decay- some steps can help reverse tooth decay.
These include exposure to fluoride, daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleanings. All vital steps to maintaining healthy teeth!
Addressing tooth decay is important. Left untreated, cavities can cause pain and lead to other dental problems and health conditions. Extensive decay can cause tooth and bone loss.
Finding a great dentist in Phoenix
If you’re looking for a great dentist in Phoenix, here are a few things to keep in mind:
-Look for someone who is experienced and has good reviews.
-Make sure they accept your insurance.
-Schedule a consultation to meet them before making an appointment.
At 19th Ave. Dental Care, we pride ourselves on our customer service and our experienced dental team. If you’re concerned you may have a cavity, we want to get you in. Early diagnosis of tooth decay and pre-cavities can help keep your teeth and bones strong.
That’s why we offer convenient hours, including Sunday dentist appointments. We provide professional fluoride treatments, cleanings, and a whole range of dental services to keep your teeth and mouth in great shape, so you can enjoy a healthy smile.
If you’re looking for a great dentist in Phoenix, AZ, contact us today at 19th Ave. Dental Care. We look forward to helping you maintain good dental hygiene for a happy life.