Can You Reverse Tooth Decay?

You have done everything right when it comes to taking care of your teeth. You watch the amount of sugar and sweet drinks you take in; you brush and floss after every meal, and you get a checkup right on schedule every six months. Every appointment has been the same, pretty much perfect, but now suddenly there is a tiny spot somehow. The questions that you may have might be, “How did it get there, and how do we get rid of it?” Fortunately, we here at Watermark Dentistry have the answers that you need.

Repairing and Protecting Your Teeth

The kindest thing you can do for your mouth is continuing to be diligent about your oral care. Make sure the toothbrush you are using is optimal for your dental needs and regularly check to see if it needs replacing. Carry floss picks around with you for those meals-on-the-go and rinse your mouth well with water if there is no other option available. Some of our patients like to opt for a convenient travel toothbrush to keep at the office or in their car for those busy days.

When you schedule a cleaning with us, we will want to know if you are worried about any particular area. If you have not had recent digital x-rays, we may suggest them if it has been more than a couple of years. The good news is, finding the decay early on means we can catch the buildup before it does any real damage to the enamel or gums. Once it begins to evolve into periodontal disease, it becomes harder to treat and may even become permanent, but it never has to get to that point. X-rays help detect anything that might be missed by the eye.

Once we have you comfortable in the chair, then we begin removing the buildup, which is done using a special tool. Removing the buildup is generally considered painless, though some patients may experience a little bit of discomfort during this procedure. Afterward, we will floss your teeth for you. Keep in mind if you taste blood, there is a possibility that you may not be flossing properly at home. Be sure to floss at least once a day to keep your mouth healthy.

Once we have cleaned your teeth, we usually offer you a fluoride rinse. The benefits of fluoride include strengthening the enamel to help defend against the effects of tooth decay. Many people find that adding a good fluoride toothpaste adequately compliments their already superior dental routine.

Reversing the signs of decay can be as easy as scheduling your next dental cleaning. If you have any questions, please call us here at Watermark Dentistry at (206) 242-5808 today, and we will be happy to help you.