Can Colgate remove cavities?
By
Dr Shivam Jha
This blogpost will answer the question Can Colgate remove cavities? And will include the following topics:What causes cavities?
What Does a Cavity Do to a Tooth?Types of Cavities
What are the symptoms of tooth decay?
Can Toothpastes like Sensodyne Repair Cavities?Can You Reverse a Cavity?
Can a person get rid of cavities at home?Types of Toothpaste
The Top Toothpastes
How to prevent tooth decay and cavities
Can Colgate remove cavities?
No, colgate cannot remove cavities. There really is no toothpaste that can heal cavities that are deep enough. It is necessary to schedule an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible. The earlier you treat them, the less expensive and time-consuming it will be.
What causes cavities?
Caries, or dental cavities, are small holes in the hard surface of the teeth. They are caused by the bacterium on the teeth’s surface producing acid using sugar. Streptococcus mutans is the most prevalent cause of infection.
Plaque is a thin layer formed by microorganisms on the teeth. Plaque acids degrade minerals in the enamel, which is a calcium and phosphate-based layer that covers your teeth. The enamel is eroded, resulting in little holes. A cavity is formed when acid damage penetrates the dentin layer underneath the enamel.
What Does a Cavity Do to a Tooth?
Cavities are caused by bacteria producing powerful acids that eat away at tooth enamel, weakening and softening it. Demineralization is the initial stage of the cavity formation. Bacteria create acid, which alters the mineral content of enamel.
If nothing is done to arrest this process, the delicate, weak enamel begins to crumble or break away as the cavity progresses deeper into the tooth. This causes a hole in the tooth, known as a “cavity.”
Types of Cavities
When plaque is not removed by a consistent oral care routine of daily brushing and flossing, your teeth are more likely to develop cavities. Visit a dental professional regularly so he or she can check your teeth for any problems including cavities or gum disease symptoms. Not all cavities are the same, and your dentist can tell you what type you have after examining your teeth with dental instruments. He or she may also use x-rays to confirm areas of decay
The three types of cavities are:
Cavities can affect all parts of the tooth. It may take some time to develop a cavity but as soon as it develops it starts progressing to the other surfaces of the tooth and even the adjacent tooth. Cavities progresses from the enamel to dentin which is the middle layer and then to the pulp which is the most sensitive part of the tooth because it contains the nerve endings.
Types of cavities include:
Smooth surface
This type of cavity develops on the surface and progresses slowly dissolving the enamel. In rare cases it can be reversed, when detected at a very early stage by appropriate brushing techniques and flossing. Young adults are often at risk of developing this type of cavity.
Pit and fissure decay
Pits and fissures present on the surface of the teeth are a susceptible site of food accumulation, which can lead to developing cavities very fast. Teenagers are more prone to develop pit and fissure decay.
Root decay
Receding gums are a cause of root decay. Gum recession exposes the roots which becomes a site of acid attack by the bacteria and development of cavities. Mostly old people have receding gums and hence are prone to develop such type of cavities
.
What are the symptoms of tooth decay?
Cavities can appear as a black or brown spot on your teeth, but they usually only show up on an X-ray, so make sure you have your teeth checked on a regular basis. The following are signs that you may have decaying teeth:
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
Sensitivity.
Pain which worsens with exposure to heat, cold, sugary food or drinks.
A chalky white spot on a tooth.
Can Toothpastes like Sensodyne Repair Cavities?
Sensodyne Repair and Protect includes stannous fluoride, a chemical that has been shown to help prevent cavities and gum disease. Most over-the-counter toothpastes include fluoride in some form, with sodium fluoride being the most frequent.There are a few potential benefits of stannous fluoride over sodium fluoride. It has the benefit of killing certain bacteria linked to cavities and gum disease. Stannous fluoride is also more efficient than sodium fluoride at boosting tooth enamel against bacterial acid infections. Some researchers even suggest that stannous fluoride has an ability to remineralize weak, softened enamel.
Can You Reverse a Cavity?
A cavity may typically be reversed if discovered at the beginning or early stages of the demineralization process, which is the first stage of tooth decay.
Good dental hygiene is essential at this time for replenishing the minerals in your teeth and preventing decay. This involves brushing and flossing on a regular basis, as well as frequent exposure to fluoride, a mineral that helps build the enamel of your teeth.
Cavities, despite improved dental hygiene, are not always preventable. The therapy for the cavity in these circumstances is determined by how far the tooth decay has progressed
Can a person get rid of cavities at home?
Cavities must be treated by a dentist.
Several home treatments, on the other hand, can help to strengthen tooth enamel in the pre-cavity stage. This is known as remineralizing, and it inhibits the formation of cavities.
Brushing the teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste is the best way to remineralize tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
However, some people prefer to use natural home remedies, rather than products containing fluoride. Some of these remedies include:
Oil pulling
Ayurveda, an ancient school of alternative treatment, is where oil pulling originated. It requires swishing a spoonful of sesame or coconut oil in the mouth for a specific amount of time before spitting it out.
While certain claims regarding oil pulling are unsupported by science, studies show that it can benefit dental health. According to a research, utilising sesame oil in the pulling method decreased plaque and germs in the mouth to the same level as mouthwash.
If oil pulling helps to remove plaque, it may aid in the remineralization of enamel and the prevention of cavities.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera tooth gel may help to combat cavity-causing bacteria. This gel’s antibacterial properties eliminate dangerous bacteria in the mouth.
Avoid phytic acid
Cereals and legumes, such as red kidney beans, contain phytic acid.
Because phytic acid can destroy tooth enamel, some people feel that eliminating it from their diet can help them avoid tooth decay and cavities.
Phytic acid is most commonly found in cereals and legumes, including the following:
maize
wheat
rice
rye
kidney beans
haricot beans
pinto beans
navy beans
blackeye beans
broad beans
Vitamin D
It is said that vitamin D supplements help to decrease incidence of dental cavities significantly. The vitamin may have a mineralizing effect, which helps to strengthen tooth enamel.
Avoid sugary foods and drinks
Consumption of sugar is among the leading causes of cavities. Sugar mixes with bacteria in the mouth and forms an acid, which wears down tooth enamel.
Eat licorice root
Antibacterial properties of licorice root may contribute to the treatment of cavities.
According to a study, the antibacterial capabilities of licorice root may target microorganisms that cause cavities.
Sugar-free gum
Some studies suggest that chewing sugar-free gum after meals reduces levels of bacteria that damages the enamel.
Having less of this bacteria can lead to stronger enamel that is better equipped to withstand decay.
Types of toothpaste
It is indeed necessary to understand the various types of toothpaste available. Fluoride toothpaste is among the most common forms of toothpaste used. Fluoride is recommended by dentists for both children and adults because it strengthens teeth and prevents decay.
Tartar-fighting toothpastes are also available. Tartar is formed when plaque on your teeth solidifies. Tartar control toothpastes fighting this by removing plaque before it hardens.
Teeth sensitivity can be a problem for some people. It might be uncomfortable to eat or drink hot or cold meals. The most common causes of tooth sensitivity are poor enamel or an exposed root. This is when sensitive tooth toothpaste comes into play. The toothpaste alleviates the pain associated with sensitivity problems. For sensitivity, you may also choose whitening or cavity-prevention toothpaste.
Last but not least, there are whitening toothpastes. Although the chemicals vary, all toothpastes contain a whitening agent to make your teeth appear whiter. These chemicals either remove stains or brighten your teeth’s colour. Tooth decay can also be prevented by some whitening toothpastes. One thing to keep in mind is that no whitening toothpaste can match the results of a professional teeth whitening treatment. No whitening toothpaste can match the dream of white teeth that are so sparklingly bright.
Nowadays, you can find any sort of toothpaste you can want. There are toothpastes that accomplish a single goal, and ones that do it all. You should pick a toothpaste that fulfills your oral health needs. If you have a history of cavities, search for one that provides excellent cavity protection. If you want to whiten your teeth, use a whitening toothpaste.
The Top Toothpastes
1. Colgate Total
Colgate Total is a wonderful choice if you’re looking for a plaque-fighting toothpaste. It can keep plaque at bay for up to 12 hours. Gingivitis is well treated with this solution. The best part is that there are numerous versions of Colgate Total that do the same plaque-fighting job while also doing other things. Advance Whitening whitens teeth, Daily Repair repairs damage, and Thoroughly Clean (as the name implies) deep cleans teeth.
2. Crest Pro-Health
Crest Pro-Health toothpaste is one of the few toothpastes that has been approved by the American Dental Association in all six categories. It also decreases sensitivity, prevents cavities, fights plaque, avoids gingivitis, and fights bad breath, in addition to whitening teeth. This toothpaste is fantastic for all-around oral hygiene.
3. Sensodyne ProNamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste
Toothpaste for sensitive teeth should not be confined to a single variety. People having sensitive gums and teeth can whiten their teeth using Sensodyne ProNamel Gentle Whitening toothpaste. It also protects teeth from deterioration by hardening weakening enamel.
How to prevent tooth decay and cavities
Plaque build-up prevention is a great way to avoid dental decay. Plaque is continually growing, thus brushing twice a day is necessary to eliminate it. That is why it is critical to maintain a consistent oral hygiene regimen:
Use a fluoride toothpaste
Cut down on sugary drinks and starchy foods
Consider getting dental sealants
Brush at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time.
Floss at least once a day. It’s extremely important for cleaning those hard-to-reach areas between the teeth, where food particles get stuck and gather bacteria.
And always rinse out with a mouthwash
These, combined with regular dental check-ups will go a long way to ensuring your teeth stay healthy, strong and cavity-free.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can toothpaste get rid of cavities?
No, toothpaste cannot get rid of cavities. Toothpastes contain fluoride which can help in the prevention of cavities,but once a cavity is formed it can only be treated by a dentist.
Is Colgate good for cavity?
Yes, colgate is good for cavities. Colgate contains a mineral called fluoride which helps in mineralizing the tooth enamel, thus can help in preventing cavities.
Can cavities naturally go away?
No, cavities cannot go away naturally. There are natural methods to prevent cavities like oil pulling, maintaining a good oral regimen, taking all the important nutrients and vitamins, etc. these methods can help you prevent a cavity,but once a cavity develops it cannot go away naturally.
How can cavities be prevented?
Cavities can be prevented by following some simple methods such as :
Brushing twice a day, staying hydrated, eating healthy, flossing regularly, visiting the dentist for check-ups etc.
What causes cavities?
The bacteria present in our mouth feeds on sugar we eat and releases acid. This acid attacks the tooth leading to decay and eventually a cavity.
Other FAQs about Teeth Cavities that you may be interested in.
Can coconut oil heal cavities?
Can you get cavities from eating fruit?