Stopping Tooth Decay and Preventing Cavities from Forming 

In the past, you would get a cavity, and the dentist would fix it with a filling. However, the dentist can often use treatments to stop tooth decay before a cavity develops. Tooth decay often provides signs before it causes a cavity in your tooth. Dentists look for signs like a white spot on the tooth enamel or any suspicious marks on your X-rays. If your dentist sees a suspicious spot on a tooth or your X-ray, the proper treatment may not be “drilling and filling.” But instead, the dentist could paint fluoride varnish or calcium pastes on the problem tooth. These treatments can often stop or slow down the decay process. They also help the tooth repair the area where the cavity was forming. This process is known as remineralization. During this type of dental treatment, you may have to see the dentist more often during the next few months of treatment. At these visits, the dentist would check to see if the treatment works and may treat the tooth again. A dentist can not catch the early signs of tooth decay if you do not see a dentist regularly, so to maintain healthy teeth and gums, brush and floss daily and see your dentist at least twice a year or as advised by your dentist.