Brushing your teeth is an important part of good oral hygiene. However, a common misunderstanding is that brushing can fix existing dental problems. While brushing helps maintain oral health, it cannot reverse or eliminate a cavity once it has fully formed. Understanding cavities and the limits of brushing is important for proper dental care.
Understanding Cavities
A cavity, also known as dental caries, is a hole that develops in a tooth due to decay. This process begins when acids in the mouth erode the tooth’s hard outer layer, called enamel. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugary and starchy foods and drinks, converting these into acids. These acids, along with bacteria, food particles, and saliva, form a sticky film called dental plaque that coats the teeth.
Without proper cleaning, the acids in plaque dissolve tooth enamel, leading to demineralization, a loss of minerals. In its earliest stage, demineralization may appear as small, chalky white spots on the tooth surface. If unchecked, this weakening of the enamel progresses, eventually forming a visible hole or cavity. Once a cavity has penetrated the enamel, it cannot be brushed away.
The Role of Brushing in Preventing Cavities
Brushing your teeth regularly, at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, is effective in preventing cavities. This practice works by physically removing dental plaque and food particles from tooth surfaces, disrupting the acidic environment that allows decay to begin. Flossing daily complements brushing by cleaning between teeth where brushes cannot reach, further reducing plaque buildup.
Fluoride, a mineral found in most toothpastes and some water supplies, helps strengthen tooth enamel and promote remineralization. When early demineralization occurs, fluoride can help replenish lost minerals like calcium and phosphate, reversing the initial stages of enamel weakening before a full cavity forms. It integrates into the enamel structure, creating a stronger, more acid-resistant surface. This continuous exchange of minerals, known as the demineralization-remineralization cycle, is influenced by consistent fluoride exposure and good oral hygiene.
Treating Existing Cavities
Once a cavity has formed a hole in the tooth, brushing cannot repair the damage. Professional dental intervention is necessary to prevent further decay and complications. The type of treatment depends on the extent of the decay.
For small to moderate cavities, a dental filling is the common treatment. A dentist removes the decayed tooth material and fills the resulting hole with a restorative material such as composite resin, silver amalgam, or gold. If the decay is more extensive and has reached the inner layer of the tooth called the dentin, a filling may still be sufficient, but the cavity can progress faster once it reaches this softer layer.
When decay reaches the tooth’s pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, a root canal becomes necessary. During this procedure, the infected pulp is removed, the inner chamber of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, and then filled and sealed. Often, a dental crown is placed over the treated tooth to protect and strengthen it. In severe cases where a tooth is damaged beyond repair, extraction may be the only option. Early detection through regular dental check-ups is important, as it allows for less invasive treatments and better outcomes.