“Can you reverse small cavities?”
I am a 27 year old male. I want to know if you can reverse small cavities?
4 Answers
Yes. If the cavity has not penetrated completely through the enamel and into the dentin, the pt can use fluoride an other options to remineralize the tooth, without cutting the tooth.
I do not know of a way to actually reverse a cavity without dental care. There are times that early decalcifications can be reversed with fluoride and minerals. When there is an actual cavity, this is not possible.
If the decay hasn't gotten through the hard enamel and into the softer dentin, those small cavities are reversible. They typical cause of the decay is acid bacteria and such things as drinking soft drinks, energy drinks, eating sugary snacks can cause the decay to continue. So, if you avoid those things, and use floss (unwaxed), brush regularly...you can reverse the damage. Fluoride toothpaste (with the ADA Seal on the box) can help remineralize the damage.
Yes! However, only with some commitment to the process. At my office, we use prescription products such as MI paste or Clinpro toothpaste as a medicine on the teeth prior to going to be to help reverse the cavities. Both of these prescription products have an ingredient call tricalcium phosphate (Recaldent) that can "heal" those small cavities. This therapy is recommended for a minimum of 6 months to be effective.