Here’s How To Treat Cavities You Need To Know

Here’s How To Treat Cavities You Need To Know

 

Tooth decay is a common dental problem. To overcome this, several ways to treat cavities can be done according to the severity of the condition. This treatment must be done to prevent complications, such as tooth abscess or tooth fracture.

Tooth decay can happen to anyone. However, some conditions can increase the risk of cavities, such as eating too many sugary foods and drinks, experiencing dry mouth, poor dental hygiene, suffering from acid reflux disease, or having a family history.

The condition of cavities is usually accompanied by several symptoms, ranging from bad breath, and toothache, to sensitive teeth. If not appropriately treated, cavities can lead to infection or tooth loss. Therefore, how to treat cavities, both naturally at home and medically, is important.

How to treat cavities at home

If the condition of cavities is still in its early stages and is not severe, the treatment can be done at home. Home remedies are carried out to replace the eroded minerals in tooth enamel (remineralization of tooth enamel) so that cavities in the teeth do not get more profound and worse.

Here are some ways to treat cavities at home:

Using toothpaste that contains fluoride

Research shows that brushing your teeth regularly, at least twice a day, with a fluoride-containing toothpaste is beneficial in preventing cavities. This is because fluoride plays a vital role in remineralizing tooth enamel so that it can treat cavities that you experience.

Reduce sugary foods and drinks

When you eat sugary foods and drinks, the bacteria in your mouth will turn the sugars in these foods into acids. This acid will then damage the tooth enamel.

Reducing foods and drinks that contain sugar is one way to treat cavities. This is done to give the tooth enamel a chance to rebuild tooth minerals and prevent cavities from worsening.

Using natural ingredients

Another way to treat cavities is to use natural ingredients, such as licorice ( licorice ) extract, sesame oil, heat oil, and clove oil. These natural ingredients are known to fight bacteria that cause cavities to reduce plaque on teeth.

To use clove oil, rub it on the cavities using a cotton swab, then let it sit for about 20 minutes. You can also do oil pulling using sesame oil or coconut oil to treat cavities.

In addition, some other ways to treat cavities that can encourage tooth enamel remineralization are eating foods that contain vitamin D, chewing sugar-free gum after eating, and avoiding consuming foods and drinks that are too hot or cold.

How to treat dental cavities medically.

As previously explained, treating cavities at home only aims to encourage the remineralization of tooth enamel. Therefore, further treatment of cavities must be carried out directly by a dentist, especially if the condition of the holes is already severe.

To diagnose cavities, the doctor will examine the condition of your teeth and ask about your complaints. In some instances, dental X-rays may be needed to determine the severity of cavities.

After the teeth are examined, the doctor will carry out treatment according to the severity of the cavities. Here are some ways to treat cavities by doctors:

1. Fluoride administration

In addition to tooth enamel remineralization, fluoride administration also aims to strengthen teeth to resist acids that can cause cavities.

Fluoride given by doctors is generally available as a mouthwash, gel, foam, or varnish applied to the teeth. These preparations contain higher levels of fluoride than regular toothpaste or mouthwash.

2. Filling teeth ( filling )

A dental filling is a treatment for cavities with moderate severity. How to treat cavities medically are done by removing the damaged part of the tooth using a drill. Then, the tooth is filled with a particular material.

Unique materials for filling these teeth can be silver, gold, composite resin, or glass ionomer.

3. Installation of dental crowns

If the cavities are getting worse and causing the teeth to become brittle, the doctor will install a dental crown or special covering to replace the tooth’s natural crown.

Before a dental crown is placed, the doctor will remove the part of the tooth that is damaged or decayed. Dental crowns can be made of gold, porcelain, resin, or a mixture of porcelain and metal.

4. Root canal treatment

If tooth decay reaches the pulp or the inside of the tooth, root canal treatment is the best way to treat cavities. This treatment aims to relieve the pain that appears without having to remove the damaged tooth.

During root canal treatment, the doctor will remove the nerves, blood vessels, and tissue in the pulp and decaying teeth. After that, the doctor will fill the inside of the tooth with fillings or place a dental crown.

5. Extracting teeth

The doctor will perform a tooth extraction procedure if the cavities are very severe and cannot be filled. After the tooth is extracted, the tooth replacement must be done immediately by installing a dental bridge or dental implant so as not to change the structure of the other teeth.

How treat cavities, both at home and medically, should be done as soon as possible after you notice the signs of cavities. Although difficult to detect early, holes can be characterized by white spots on the teeth, indicating that tooth enamel has eroded.

To prevent cavities, you can take the following steps:

Brush your teeth at least two times a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride
Clean between your teeth using dental floss every day
Limiting sweet or sour foods and drinks
Installing dental sealants on the back teeth to protect teeth from bacteria that cause cavities
Regular check-ups with the dentist every six months
You should consult a doctor to get the proper treatment if you have cavities. How to treat excavations carried out by a doctor will be adjusted to the severity of the holes you experience.