Tooth decay may develop because of bacteria feeding on sugar in your mouth. This process produces acids and later on leaves holes on the tooth. These holes are known as dental cavities.

Harmful bacteria target food and drinks with sugar or starch but with the help of saliva, along with fluoride, teeth are able replenish lost minerals. This process occurs naturally in our teeth. Teeth both lose minerals and gain them again. However, when the acid attacks are too strong, the teeth will keep losing more minerals than they can restore. This can result in tooth decay.

Tooth decay at its early stages can still be reversed. If not treated, the enamel will be destroyed. This can result in cavities that will need to be repaired with dental fillings. To reverse tooth decay, regular brushing and flossing is crucial.

Here are more tips to reverse tooth decay:

• Watch what you drink.
  This is the simplest way you can prevent cavities. Drink more water and if possible, reduce intake of sugary drinks. If you’re taking lemon water, try using a straw. This way, the liquid gets delivered directly to the throat, reducing direct exposure to the teeth.
  
  
• Make sure to eat balanced meal.
  Limit intake of sugary food. Grab healthy snacks that are good for the teeth, such as carrots and apples. Look out for fruits that are low in sugar, too, but are equally tasty and nutritious. Strawberries and avocados are common examples. Get creative when incorporating them to your meals, especially for kids.
  
  
• Let go of your old toothbrush.
  Replace your toothbrush once you spot frayed bristles. Consider changing to a new toothbrush, too, after enduring a cold or mouth infection. There are various types of toothbrushes available on the market. Make sure to look for those with soft bristles.
  
  
• Chew sugarless gums.
  You may be wondering why you should chew gums when you need to maintain a healthy diet. If you’re chewing sugarless gums, your teeth and mouth will be safe. Sugarless gums contain a natural sugar variety called xylitol. Xylitol helps prevent cavities. Plus, chewing alone helps boost saliva flow, which in turn helps remove food particles from the teeth.
  
  
• Choose fluoride toothpaste.
  Fluoride can be sourced from water and mouth cleaning tools such as toothpaste. Fluoride will help keep the tooth enamel strong despite any acid attacks. Consult your family dentist in Calgary about whether or not you will need more fluoride. For kids, meanwhile, make sure they’re only using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste when brushing. Too much exposure to fluoride can also be harmful to the teeth.
  
  

To reverse tooth decay, a healthy lifestyle and good dental care habits are crucial. Lack of minerals is a leading cause of tooth decay and our teeth get the nourishment they need from the food we eat.