How to Break the Cycle of Tooth Decay

One of the most common tooth diseases in the world is tooth decay, which is also known as dental caries. Tooth decay affects about 92 percent of people. This huge percentage indicates that there is a chance that just about anyone can get it, so it’s important to know how to break this vicious cycle.

Stages of tooth decay

To know how to break the cycle of tooth decay, let us first tell you about the stages of tooth decay. There are roughly six stages of tooth decay, which are as follows:

1. Stage one: Plaque spots
2. Stage two: Enamel decay
3. Stage three: Dentin decay
4. Stage four: Decay of tooth pulp
5. Stage five: Abscess formation
6. Stage six: Tooth loss

Breaking the cycle of tooth decay

Most people aren’t aware of how decay comes about or how to prevent or even manage it. Below are the necessary steps to take in order to break the decay cycle.

The diet matters

They say that we are what we eat. A person’s eating habits can make or break their tooth decay process. Avoid eating sugar-rich foods because they cause the buildup of plaque, which eventually becomes cavities. Also, eat calcium-rich foods for better growth of the bones and teeth. These foods may include broccoli, collard greens and dairy products. Bananas, peas and sprouts are foods that promote the production of saliva, which inhibits bacterial growth, so add them to your daily routine as well.

Eat natural, probiotic foods

Eating probiotic foods can save the teeth from decaying further. This is because bad bacteria typically will hide in spaces between the teeth. With that being said, eating food rich in probiotics helps to balance the acidic pH. Some foods that are rich in probiotics are kefir, kombucha, and also foods like sauerkraut and kimchi. Consuming these foods will surely aid in halting tooth decay. 

Habits to develop

Follow a consistent tooth-brushing routine to ensure proper cleaning of the teeth. Fluoride toothpaste is typically the best kind for ensuring that tooth decay is prevented or doesn’t continue. Also, ensure that you brush properly, reaching all of the tooth spaces and corners. A good mouthwash will also slow down the process of tooth decay.

Vitamin Supplements

Taking vitamins regularly is vital to bone development as well as maintaining a healthy body. They also stop the process of cavity buildup and cause more saliva to generate in the mouth, and saliva restricts the harmful bacterial growth in your mouth and decreases plaque development. The essential vitamins include Vitamin B, D, iron and magnesium. 

Visit the dentist

Last but not least, be sure to visit the dentist regularly for proper evaluation of your oral health recovery schedule. It’s important to consult with the dentist about the methods that are being implemented in order to break the tooth decay cycle.

Breaking the tooth decay cycle is an important step to take in order to prevent further complications. Decaying teeth can be painful and unhealthy, so fuel the body with good foods and talk with your dentist about the ways to bring tooth decay to a halt.

If you have other questions, let us know. We are happy to be of help to you in any way that we can!

Request an appointment here: https://www.mytotaldentistry.com or call McCarthy Dentistry at (740) 546-5178 for an appointment in our Marietta office.