At what stage can a cavity be reversed?

Tooth decay can generally be reversed if detected early or early in the demineralization process, the first step in tooth decay. During this stage, good oral hygiene is essential to restore minerals to the teeth and stop cavities. Tooth decay can be stopped or reversed at this point. Enamel can repair itself by using minerals from saliva and fluoride from toothpaste or other sources.

The types of cells that make up teeth don't grow back or repair themselves once the tooth is fully developed. Laboratory studies with stem cells are currently underway to try to make this a potential reality. But so far, it's physically impossible. It is possible to “reverse” a cavity.

But this is only possible during the first stage of tooth decay, which is called “demineralization”. This is the process by which acid slowly erodes enamel. In the early stages of tooth decay, when only enamel is involved, tooth decay can be reversed. Once a SMALL cavity has formed, tooth decay can sometimes be stopped, only with close attention to cleaning and using fluoride to remineralize the tooth.

The cavity will remain as the tooth structure will not grow back. Techniques for reversing cavities are generally only effective when implemented in the early stages of tooth decay. But can cavities be reversed? Our dentist in Lincoln, NE says that small cavities can be reversed, but larger cavities can't and should be repaired. This website explains how the tooth decay process starts and how it can be stopped or even reversed to prevent your child from having cavities.