How To Reverse a Cavity at Home | Cure Tooth Decay

Summary

Key Points

• Cavities begin when tooth enamel loses minerals due to acidity from food, bacteria, or both, a process called demineralization. 0:55
• The bacteria Streptococcus mutans feed on sugars, multiply, and produce acids that further dissolve tooth enamel, leading to the formation of plaque. 3:43
• Cavities are the final stage of this progressive decay process, representing the structural breakdown of the tooth, not the infection itself. 3:46
• Reversing a cavity involves stopping the acidic damage and increasing available minerals for enamel repair, utilizing the natural remineralizing properties of saliva. 7:32
• For those with dry mouth or low saliva flow, Xylitol can stimulate the production of mineral-dense saliva at the correct pH. 9:12
• Using specific fluoridated toothpastes and dilute sodium fluoride mouth rinses (0.05%) can accelerate the remineralization process. 9:38
• Giving the tooth time, typically three to four months for enamel decay and potentially one to two years for dentin decay, allows for natural healing and remineralization. 11:53
• Decay that has progressed into the dentin can also be reversed by first eliminating the bacteria that create a 'feeding straw' hole in the enamel, allowing the hole to close and internal remineralization to occur. 12:53
• The body's natural defense system, involving odontoblasts, can secrete new dentin to repair tubules within the dentin, a process that can take one to two years. 15:58
• Reversing a cavity at home can save the tooth, improve overall mouth health, and is worth pursuing before resorting to fillings or crowns. 18:29