Can you stop teeth rotting once they start?

You cannot stop tooth decay from reversing on its own once it has progressed beyond the earliest stage, but you can stop it from getting worse and your dentist can repair it. In the very earliest stage when decay is only demineralization appearing as a white spot on enamel and has not yet formed a cavity, it can be stopped and even reversed with improved oral hygiene, fluoride toothpaste, fluoride varnish from dentist, and reducing sugar, as fluoride helps remineralize enamel. Once decay has created a hole or cavity that penetrates enamel into dentin, it cannot be stopped naturally and will continue to progress deeper toward the pulp if untreated, leading to pain, infection, and tooth loss. At that point you need a dentist to stop it by removing decayed tissue and placing a filling, and for deeper decay, a crown or root canal. To prevent further rotting, brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, reduce sugary and acidic foods and drinks, chew sugar-free gum, and get regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months. Early detection through X-rays is key, as small cavities are easier and cheaper to treat. So early white spot decay can be stopped, but cavitated decay requires professional treatment.