How to stop tooth decay from inside?

Stopping tooth decay from inside the tooth involves treating the infected pulp tissue, usually through root canal therapy. When decay reaches the inner pulp, bacteria cause inflammation and infection. A root canal removes the infected tissue, cleans the canals, and seals the tooth to prevent further decay and infection. Early-stage decay inside the tooth may also be managed with fluoride treatments and restorations like fillings or crowns to halt progression.

How fast does tooth decay spread?

The speed at which tooth decay spreads varies depending on factors such as oral hygiene, diet, saliva flow, and individual susceptibility. In general, decay can progress from initial enamel demineralization to dentin involvement within months if untreated. Once decay reaches the dentin, it can advance more rapidly toward the pulp, causing pain and infection within weeks. Good oral hygiene and timely dental care can significantly slow or stop this progression.

Is it too late to save rotten teeth?

It is not always too late to save rotten teeth. Early to moderate decay can often be treated with fillings, crowns, or root canals to restore function and prevent extraction. However, if decay has severely damaged the tooth structure or caused extensive infection, extraction may be necessary. A dentist can evaluate your specific case and recommend the best treatment to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible.

How can I permanently fix my tooth decay?

Permanent fixation of tooth decay involves removing the decayed tissue and restoring the tooth with durable materials such as composite fillings, inlays, onlays, or crowns. In cases where decay has reached the pulp, root canal therapy followed by restoration is required. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential to prevent new decay and ensure the longevity of restorations.

What destroys tooth decay?

Tooth decay is destroyed by physically removing the decayed tissue during dental treatment. Additionally, fluoride treatments help remineralize enamel and reverse early decay. Antibacterial mouth rinses and good oral hygiene reduce the bacterial load that causes decay. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar, further preventing decay progression.

Is it too late if a cavity hurts?

If a cavity causes pain, it usually indicates that decay has reached the dentin or pulp, causing inflammation or infection. While this means the decay is advanced, it is not necessarily too late to save the tooth. Prompt dental treatment, such as fillings, root canals, or crowns, can often relieve pain and preserve the tooth. Delaying care increases the risk of abscess and tooth loss.

How to Stop Tooth Decay from Spreading: Proven Steps and Prevention Tips

April 24, 2025

Tooth decay is one of the most common dental problems worldwide, affecting people of all ages. If you’re wondering how to stop tooth decay from spreading, you’re not alone. Early intervention, smart habits, and professional care can halt decay in its tracks and even reverse early damage. This guide covers everything you need to know—what causes tooth decay, how to prevent it, what home remedies actually work, and when to see a dentist.

Understanding Tooth Decay: The Basics

Tooth decay, also called dental caries or cavities, is a process where acids produced by bacteria erode the hard outer layer (enamel) of your teeth. If left untreated, decay can progress through the enamel to the softer dentin and eventually reach the tooth’s pulp, leading to pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

What Are the 4 Causes of Tooth Decay?

Bacteria and Plaque: Oral bacteria feed on sugars and starches, producing acids that attack tooth enamel.
Sugary and Starchy Foods: Frequent consumption of these foods increases acid production and risk of decay.
Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque and food debris to remain on teeth.
Lack of Fluoride: Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and reverse early decay; without it, teeth are more vulnerable.

Other risk factors include dry mouth, certain medications, age, and medical conditions affecting saliva production.

Stages of Tooth Decay

Understanding the stages of tooth decay can help you take action before it’s too late:

Initial Demineralization: White spots appear as minerals are lost from enamel.
Enamel Decay: Enamel breaks down, leading to brown or black spots.
Dentin Decay: Decay reaches the softer dentin layer, causing sensitivity and pain.
Pulp Damage: Bacteria invade the pulp, leading to infection, abscess, and severe pain.
Tooth Loss: Untreated decay can destroy the tooth and spread infection to surrounding tissues.

How to Stop Tooth Decay from Spreading: Dentist-Approved Steps

1. Brush Twice a Day with Fluoride Toothpaste

Brush your teeth at least twice daily for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps remineralize enamel and reverse early decay.

2. Floss Daily

Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach, reducing the risk of decay spreading to adjacent teeth.

3. Rinse with Mouthwash

Use an antibacterial or fluoride mouthwash to reduce bacteria and strengthen enamel. Avoid alcohol-based rinses if you have dry mouth.

4. Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods

Reduce your intake of sugary snacks, sodas, and starchy foods. If you do indulge, brush or rinse your mouth soon after.

5. Drink Fluoridated Water

Fluoridated tap water helps remineralize teeth and wash away acids and food debris.

6. Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing sugar-free gum, especially with xylitol, stimulates saliva production and helps neutralize acids.

7. Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings

See your dentist every six months for exams and professional cleanings. Dentists can spot early decay, remove tartar, and provide treatments like fluoride or sealants to protect your teeth.

8. Consider Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, especially for children, to prevent decay from starting and spreading.

9. Get Professional Fluoride Treatments

Your dentist can apply fluoride varnish or gel to strengthen enamel and reverse early decay.

10. Address Dry Mouth

If you have dry mouth, talk to your dentist about saliva substitutes or strategies to boost saliva flow, as saliva is crucial for washing away food and bacteria.

How to Stop Tooth Decay from Spreading: Home Remedies and Myths

Many people search for how to remove tooth decay yourself or how to heal cavities in 2 days at home, but it’s important to separate fact from fiction.

What Works

Good oral hygiene: Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with fluoride mouthwash can halt and even reverse early decay.
Diet changes: Reducing sugar and acid intake helps prevent further damage.
Fluoride: Using fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water can remineralize early lesions.

What Doesn’t Work

DIY scraping or picking: Trying to scrape away decay at home can damage your teeth and gums.
Natural remedies alone: Home remedies like oil pulling or herbal pastes have not been proven to stop or reverse established decay.
Quick fixes: There’s no way to heal cavities in 2 days at home. Only a dentist can treat established cavities.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay from Spreading to Other Teeth

Treat existing cavities promptly: Cavities can harbor bacteria that spread to neighboring teeth.
Don’t share utensils or toothbrushes: This can transfer decay-causing bacteria.
Maintain regular dental visits: Early detection and treatment are key to stopping the spread.

How to Reverse Tooth Decay

Early tooth decay (before a cavity forms) can often be reversed with:

Fluoride treatments: Strengthen enamel and encourage remineralization.
Improved oral hygiene: Consistent brushing and flossing remove plaque and bacteria.
Dietary changes: Reducing sugar and acid intake helps enamel repair itself.

Once a cavity has formed, professional dental treatment is required.

How to Stop Tooth Decay from Spreading: Special Considerations

For Children: Supervise brushing, use fluoride toothpaste, and ask your dentist about sealants.
For Seniors: Address dry mouth, maintain regular dental care, and manage health conditions that affect oral health.
For People with Braces: Use special brushes and flossers to clean around brackets and wires.

Schwimmer Dental: Your Partner in Stopping Tooth Decay

At Schwimmer Dental in Point Pleasant, NJ, we offer comprehensive solutions to stop tooth decay from spreading and restore your oral health:

Expert Diagnosis: Our dentists use digital imaging and thorough exams to detect decay early—even between teeth or under old fillings.
Professional Cleanings: We remove plaque and tartar that brushing alone can’t reach, reducing your risk of cavities.
Fluoride Treatments and Sealants: We offer in-office fluoride applications and dental sealants for both children and adults.
Customized Treatment Plans: Whether you need fillings, crowns, or more advanced care, we tailor every plan to your unique needs.
Patient Education: We teach you how to prevent tooth decay and maintain a healthy smile at home.
Gentle, Judgment-Free Care: No matter how long it’s been since your last visit, our team is here to help you get back on track—comfortably and confidently.

Conclusion

Stopping tooth decay from spreading starts with smart daily habits and expert dental care. Don’t wait for pain or bigger problems—take control of your oral health today. Ready to protect your smile? Call Schwimmer Dental and ask about our “Decay Defense Checkup”—a proactive appointment designed to catch decay early and keep your teeth strong for life. Your healthiest smile starts now!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to stop tooth decay from inside?
Stopping tooth decay from inside the tooth involves treating the infected pulp tissue, usually through root canal therapy. When decay reaches the inner pulp, bacteria cause inflammation and infection. A root canal removes the infected tissue, cleans the canals, and seals the tooth to prevent further decay and infection. Early-stage decay inside the tooth may also be managed with fluoride treatments and restorations like fillings or crowns to halt progression.
How fast does tooth decay spread?
The speed at which tooth decay spreads varies depending on factors such as oral hygiene, diet, saliva flow, and individual susceptibility. In general, decay can progress from initial enamel demineralization to dentin involvement within months if untreated. Once decay reaches the dentin, it can advance more rapidly toward the pulp, causing pain and infection within weeks. Good oral hygiene and timely dental care can significantly slow or stop this progression.
Is it too late to save rotten teeth?
It is not always too late to save rotten teeth. Early to moderate decay can often be treated with fillings, crowns, or root canals to restore function and prevent extraction. However, if decay has severely damaged the tooth structure or caused extensive infection, extraction may be necessary. A dentist can evaluate your specific case and recommend the best treatment to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible.
How can I permanently fix my tooth decay?
Permanent fixation of tooth decay involves removing the decayed tissue and restoring the tooth with durable materials such as composite fillings, inlays, onlays, or crowns. In cases where decay has reached the pulp, root canal therapy followed by restoration is required. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential to prevent new decay and ensure the longevity of restorations.
What destroys tooth decay?
Tooth decay is destroyed by physically removing the decayed tissue during dental treatment. Additionally, fluoride treatments help remineralize enamel and reverse early decay. Antibacterial mouth rinses and good oral hygiene reduce the bacterial load that causes decay. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar, further preventing decay progression.
Is it too late if a cavity hurts?
If a cavity causes pain, it usually indicates that decay has reached the dentin or pulp, causing inflammation or infection. While this means the decay is advanced, it is not necessarily too late to save the tooth. Prompt dental treatment, such as fillings, root canals, or crowns, can often relieve pain and preserve the tooth. Delaying care increases the risk of abscess and tooth loss.