There exists a crucial timeframe in which a cavity affects only the enamel, the tooth’s outer layer, before progressing to the dentin, which houses the tooth’s pulp. Dr. White emphasizes that during this early stage, it may be feasible to reverse the damage using fluoride or hydroxyapatite treatments. “Once the cavity has penetrated beyond the enamel and reached the dentin, it cannot be reversed,” she warns.
Dr. Anna Berik, owner of Newton Dental Associates and the Center for Oral Surgery and Implantology in Boston, prefers the term “remineralizing” when discussing the reversal of cavities. She points out that teeth consist of essential minerals such as hydroxyapatite, fluoride, and calcium, which can be employed to fortify the enamel and prevent further deterioration.
“If we identify issues while they are still small, we have various options for our patients,” Dr. Berik notes. “While these methods may not be foolproof, they are cost-effective and significantly preferable to requiring a filling, if one can avoid it.” Options include applying hydroxyapatite or fluoride in the form of toothpaste, mouthwash, or gels. Dr. White mentions that fluoride treatments can be offered at dental offices, but dentists can also recommend at-home methods.
She highlights a TikTok trend she supports as a dentist: applying fluoride toothpaste to dental floss and using it to clean between teeth. “This technique effectively delivers fluoride to areas your toothbrush may miss, where cavities commonly develop,” she explains.
Additionally, Dr. White suggests xylitol, a natural sugar alcohol, for patients susceptible to cavities. “Xylitol inhibits cavity-causing bacteria from producing acid, thereby lowering the risk of cavities,” she states. This ingredient is prevalent in various products, including chewing gum.
However, she cautions against certain at-home remedies circulating on TikTok, such as using bentonite clay to reverse cavities. Dr. Jason B. Cellars, a cosmetic dentist at Seacliff Dental in Huntington Beach, California, warns against the use of whitening strips with added hydroxyapatite as well. “Whitening strips can pose risks if you have exposed dentin, thin enamel, or visible cavities,” he advises. “The acid in whitening strips can further erode tooth structure beyond what can be remineralized, so they should be avoided in these cases.”
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