Will Teeth Repair Themselves Naturally?
Damaged teeth are more common than you may believe. Cracked and decaying teeth are two of the most prevalent dental problems worldwide. Still, if you’ve ever had a damaged tooth and avoided going to the dentist, you may have wondered whether your tooth could repair itself naturally. In some cases, a tooth can repair itself naturally. However, this isn’t always the case.
Causes of Damaged Teeth
Bad habits and natural factors can result in damaged teeth. The following is a list of some of the most prominent causes of damaged or cracked teeth:
Dental plaque build-up
Foods that are high in sugar or acidity that cling to your teeth for a long time
Poor dental hygiene (not brushing or flossing your teeth)
Frequent heartburn, which causes acid to flow up into your mouth and corrode tooth enamel
Untreated teeth grinding
Insufficient fluoride, a proven protectant against tooth decay
Excessive alcohol consumption or regular use of tobacco products
Having an accident that causes your tooth to crack
Symptoms of Damaged Teeth
We recommend paying attention to your teeth and how they feel to detect tooth decay before it’s too late. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, call One Manhattan Dental as soon as possible to set up an appointment, as they are often signs of damaged teeth:
Swollen gums around one tooth
Pain while chewing
Sudden sensitivity to sweetness, heat, or cold in one tooth
Pain that comes and goes
General discomfort in your teeth and gums
Can Damage to Teeth be Reversed?
If you are able to identify tooth damage early (before it becomes a cavity), it might be possible to reverse it. Visiting your dentist every six to 12 months is the best way to detect a problem with your teeth and catch tooth decay early. You should also pay attention to the way you’re feeling and be alert for any new symptoms.
Tooth decay caught in the early stages can be reversed through fluoride treatments, improved dental hygiene, and a better diet. A dentist may also use sealants to protect a tooth from developing a cavity. Sealants are thin, plastic coatings that cover the teeth in the back of your mouth, which are exposed to the most food.
Unfortunately, if your tooth damage is too severe or caught late, the only way to resolve the issue is through professional treatment.
Can Teeth Repair Themselves Without a Filling?
Teeth that haven’t yet developed cavities can repair themselves without a filling with the assistance of fluoride, good dental hygiene, and a healthy diet. Unfortunately, a tooth cannot naturally repair itself if severely damaged. If this is the case, a dentist will need to treat the tooth in order to repair the damage.
Dentists typically treat decayed teeth with fillings. These are done by drilling into a tooth to remove the decayed material and filling the cavity with dental amalgam. Tooth damage may also be treated with a root canal. Some damage may be so bad that there is no option other than removing the tooth entirely.
How to Prevent Damage to Your Teeth
The best way to deal with damaged teeth is to prevent them from being damaged in the first place! To prevent damage to your teeth, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing them with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, flossing, and seeing your dentist at least once a year. You should also avoid eating foods high in sugar or acidity, quit smoking, and, if you drink, consume alcohol in moderation.
To learn more on how One Manhattan Dental can assist with your comprehensive oral healthcare, call (212) 223-3632 or book your appointment online today.