Keeping tooth decay at bay: A holistic approach to preventing and treating cavities

One of the most rewarding aspects of dental practice is helping patients avoid oral problems. I know that even a simple cavity can cause physical discomfort, emotional stress related to appearance, and wellness of the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – I take the wellbeing of each patient seriously. I believe in preventing and treating tooth decay with a holistic approach.

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How tooth decay occurs

Your teeth are covered with a thin coating of enamel, which protects the underlying porous dentin structure. Enamel is incredibly strong, but it is not impermeable. Your mouth is home to hundreds of strains of bacteria. Many are beneficial; they help to break foods down for digestion. However, like any living organism, as bacteria eat, they excrete. In this case the excretion is quite acidic. It combines with acids from sugars in sweet foods and carbohydrates, sticking to teeth in a gooey film of plaque. These acids infiltrate microscopic tubules in tooth enamel and begin to dissolve its mineral compound. The result is tiny lesions that, without care, eventually become holes in your teeth – dental caries, tooth decay, or cavities.

Holistic prevention

Does that sound a little unsettling? It should. Untreated cavities can seriously compromise your smile, your oral health, and your wellness. Fortunately, most tooth decay can be prevented.

1. Moist mouth – Saliva continually flushes bits of food debris and bacteria from teeth. It also helps to strengthen teeth, as enamel absorbs natural minerals from saliva. Drink plenty of pure, fresh water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist. Chewing sugarless gum with xylitol keeps saliva flowing, too. 
2. Healthy eating – Sweet, sticky, and starchy foods are the primary culprits of cavities. They show up in places you might not expect, such as raisins, milk, honey, and fruits. Strive for a well-balanced diet with more whole foods including crunchy fresh vegetables. Please remember, if you snack often or eat many small meals for weight control, to brush your teeth frequently. 
3. Gum care – Periodontal disease causes gum tissue to recede, exposing tooth roots, which are not protected by enamel. This area is especially prone to decay. I will be happy to talk with you about natural periodontal care to get gum disease under control. 
4. Sealants – A thin coating of BPA-free plastic, painted over the chewing surfaces of molars, keeps acid and bacteria out of natural pits and fissures in tooth enamel. Treatment is painless and fast. It is recommended for prevention of tooth decay in children, and many adults benefit from sealants, as well. 
5. Oral hygiene – I do everything in my power to help you avoid tooth decay with professional cleanings and examinations. But I see your mouth only a few times each year. You have opportunities 24/7/365 to fight cavities with good oral hygiene at home. Brush at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush and a gentle herbal toothpaste or powder. Always floss before going to bed. 

Holistic treatment

Despite your best efforts and mine, tooth decay could still occur, since heredity, medications, and health conditions play a role. With regular checkups at The Brand Wellness Center, we will catch them early. Ozone therapy kills harmful bacteria and removes bacterial waste from tubules in enamel, to halt the formation of cavities and accelerate remineralization. A larger cavity may require a filling. At The Brand Wellness Center, you will never receive a filling made of amalgam, which contains toxic mercury. I restore tooth structure with gentle methods and composite resin filling materials that blend beautifully with existing dentition.

There is much more I’d like to tell you about preventing and treating tooth decay with a holistic approach. Call The Brand Wellness Center at 877-959-7890 so we can arrange to talk one-on-one.