How to Reverse a Cavity & Prevent Future Cavities

About this Video

• Video Title: How to Reverse a Cavity & Prevent Future Cavities
• Channel: Dr. Ellie Phillips
• Speakers: Dr. Ellie Phillips
• Duration: 00:22:57

Introduction

This video explains how cavities develop and offers three affordable methods to prevent and even reverse them. Dr. Phillips emphasizes the importance of understanding the process of cavity formation and addresses the limitations of fillings as a solely preventative measure.

Key Takeaways

• Cavity Formation: Cavities are a gradual process of tooth softening and disintegration. This process can be reversed by hardening the teeth and rebuilding them with natural minerals.
• Mouth Resting: After eating or drinking, it's crucial to allow a period of mouth rest (30-60 minutes minimum, ideally 1-2 hours) to allow saliva to remineralize teeth. This period should be free from eating, drinking (except for specific tooth-friendly options), or chewing gum excessively.
• Tooth-Protective Foods and Drinks: Consuming tooth-protective foods like cheese, nuts, whole milk, unsweetened yogurt, and xylitol after meals helps neutralize acids and provide minerals. Xylitol, in particular, stimulates saliva flow, which aids in remineralization and contains immune cells that promote gum health.
• Saliva's Role and Circadian Rhythm: Saliva plays a critical role in remineralization. Saliva production is strongest midday and weakest at night, highlighting the importance of nighttime oral care.
• Oral Care for Children: While cavities in baby teeth don't reverse, preventing cavities in adult teeth should begin in early childhood, ideally with xylitol use and mouth resting practices. For young children, rinsing with a dilute sodium fluoride mouthwash and using xylitol mints are recommended.