Brushing teeth is a fundamental aspect of oral hygiene, yet it cannot reverse or eliminate existing cavities. Once a cavity forms, professional dental intervention becomes necessary to repair the damage. While brushing plays a significant role in maintaining oral health, its capabilities are primarily preventative rather than restorative.
Understanding Cavities: Formation and Progression
Cavities are areas of tooth decay. The process begins with bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria, particularly Streptococcus mutans, feed on sugars and starches from the foods and drinks we consume, producing acids as a byproduct. These acids attack the tooth enamel, the outermost and hardest layer, in a process called demineralization, where minerals like calcium and phosphate are lost.
Initially, demineralization may appear as small, chalky white spots on the tooth surface, indicating weakened enamel. If left unaddressed, the decay progresses, breaking down more enamel and eventually forming a noticeable hole. Once the decay penetrates the enamel and reaches the softer inner layer called dentin, it can spread more rapidly, leading to sensitivity or pain. If the decay reaches the innermost pulp, containing nerves and blood vessels, it can cause severe pain and infection.
The Role of Brushing in Oral Health
Brushing serves as a primary defense in maintaining oral health by effectively removing plaque, a sticky film composed of bacteria and food debris, from tooth surfaces. Removing this plaque is crucial because it reduces the amount of acid-producing bacteria that can harm enamel. Regular brushing, ideally twice a day, helps prevent the initial demineralization of tooth enamel.
Toothpaste containing fluoride further enhances this preventative action. Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks. In the very early stages of demineralization, before a physical hole forms, fluoride can aid in remineralization, a process where lost minerals are restored to the enamel, reversing the initial signs of decay. Beyond cavity prevention, brushing also contributes to overall gum health and maintains fresh breath by removing bacteria and food particles.
Why Brushing Cannot Remove Existing Cavities
Once a cavity has formed, brushing alone cannot repair this damage. The eroded tooth material, whether enamel or dentin, cannot regenerate. Brushing is a mechanical cleaning process that removes soft deposits like plaque and food particles from the tooth surface. It cannot rebuild or fill in the missing portions of the tooth that have been destroyed by decay.
While good brushing habits prevent new cavities and halt early demineralization, they are not a restorative treatment for an established cavity. The physical damage of a cavity requires professional intervention to remove the decayed tissue and restore the tooth. Attempting to brush away a cavity will be ineffective and can even allow the decay to worsen over time.
Effective Cavity Treatment and Prevention
Treating existing cavities involves professional dental procedures to remove decayed portions and restore the tooth. For smaller cavities, dental fillings are a common treatment where decayed material is removed and the space filled with materials like composite resin or amalgam. If the decay is more extensive and has significantly weakened the tooth, a crown, which is a custom-fitted cap, may be necessary to cover and protect the entire tooth.
In cases where decay reaches the tooth’s pulp, a root canal procedure removes the infected tissue and saves the tooth. If the tooth is severely damaged beyond repair, extraction might be the only option. Beyond treatment, comprehensive prevention strategies are important. Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and daily flossing remove plaque and food debris, especially from between teeth where toothbrushes may not reach.
Limiting the consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks reduces the fuel for acid-producing bacteria, which protects enamel. Regular dental check-ups, typically twice a year, allow dentists to detect and address early signs of decay before they become severe. Professional fluoride treatments and dental sealants, thin protective coatings applied to chewing surfaces, offer additional protection.