Can a cavity heal itself?
By
Dr Shivam Jha
This blogpost will answer the question Can a cavity heal itself? And will include topics like: How does a cavity develop?
Can you reverse a cavity? Reversing Early Decay
What Are Risk Factors of Cavities?
How Will My Small Cavity Be Treated?
Treatment Options Available
What Can I Do To Reverse Decay and Prevent Cavities? Six Simple Ways to Heal Tooth Decay and Reverse Cavities
Can a cavity heal itself?
No, a cavity cannot heal itself. While you may take actions to slow the decay process at home, your dentist will need to repair any cavities that have already formed. It is possible to remineralize tooth enamel and avoid a cavity in the early stages of tooth decay. Only a dentist can heal the damage once the enamel has been severely compromised or damaged and you may feel the effects of the decay.
How does a cavity develop?
Tooth decay and cavity formation occur when your teeth are exposed to acids released by bacteria present in the mouth
Frequent contact to these acidic byproducts causes a breakdown in the minerals in your teeth over time.
There are five stages of tooth decay that contribute to the development of a cavity:
Demineralization.
In the first stage of tooth decay the enamel is exposed to acids from bacteria interacting with sugars and starches.
Enamel decay.
In the second stage of decay the enamel continues to break down by the action of acids and during this stage, holes (cavities) develop on the tooth surface.
Dentin decay.
During the third stage of tooth decay, the bacteria reaches the dentin which is the soft tissue layer present below the enamel. At this stage of decay, the cavity would start appearing black and is most likely painful.
Pulp decay.
The final, major stage of decay is when the cavity has reached the pulp, which comprises your tooth’s nerves and blood vessels. The inflammation becomes much more intense when the decay reaches the pulp.
Abscesses.
When bacteria in the cavity spreads beneath the pulp and forms a pus pocket, an abscess can happen. A dental abscess may go unnoticed in some circumstances, but in the majority of cases, abscesses are excruciatingly painful.
There’s no specific timeline for how long it takes for a cavity to develop. Tooth decay is affected by a variety of factors.
However, poor oral hygiene has the biggest effect on how quickly a cavity will develop.
Can you reverse a cavity?
A cavity may typically be reversed if discovered at the beginning or early stages of the demineralization process, which is the first stage of tooth decay.
Good dental hygiene is essential at this time for replenishing the minerals in your teeth and preventing decay. This involves brushing and flossing on a regular basis, as well as frequent exposure to fluoride, a mineral that helps build the enamel of your teeth.
Cavities, despite improved dental hygiene, are not always preventable. The therapy for the cavity in these circumstances is determined by how far the tooth decay has progressed.
Reversing Early Decay
A dental professional is the only one who can identify cavities. However, looking in the mirror, can expose the first signs of demineralization. A white spot on a tooth signifies that the enamel is vulnerable and may soon erode. At this stage, you can assist the tooth preserve its strength by remineralizing it. Use a mouthwash or toothpaste with fluoride and calcium to help with these repairs. You may also ask your dentist for product recommendations while you wait for your scheduled visit.
What Are Risk Factors of Cavities?
If you enjoy sweet meals, cleaning your teeth on a regular basis is vital in preventing the formation of cavities. When you eat sweet foods, the bacteria in your mouth turn the sugar into acid, causing plaque to build. Plaque erodes the enamel, increasing the risk of tooth deterioration.
Other risk factors include:
Poor oral hygiene
Lack of enough fluoride
Dry mouth
Eating foods that cling to teeth, such as candy
Acid reflux disease
Bedtime infant feeding
Each of these factors can significantly increase the chances of you suffering a cavity. Fortunately, there are treatment options available if you’re suffering from a cavity.
Treatment Options Available
The severity of tooth cavity therapy is variable. Your dentist will be able to detect tooth decay with a simple oral examination. A dental x-ray will assist the dentist to locate cavities that are not visible during an oral exam. A cavity can be treated in a number of ways, including:
Fluoride treatment:
Did you know that fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash can help prevent cavities and lessen the need for future dental cavity treatment? Brushing with fluoride toothpaste on a regular basis works as a complement to dental therapy. If your tooth decay is still in its early stages, a fluoride treatment performed by a dentist might help you reverse the damage.
Tooth filling:
Fillings are used to fix small fractures and cavities in the teeth. A dentist removes decaying material from a tooth before filling it with silver, gold, or composite resins, depending on your desire.
Dental crowns and bridges:
If you have a tooth that has a root canal, is fractured, or has deteriorated, porcelain crowns are the ideal solution to reinforce the tooth structure and restore your attractive smile. If you have a lost tooth, though, your Texas dentist will replace it with a porcelain bridge. Dental bridges are a long-lasting solution for repairing a lost tooth.
Root canal:
When a dental cavity causes the death of your nerves, you’ll require a root canal procedure to save your tooth. Your endodontic specialist will remove any decaying areas of your tooth, check for infections, provide treatment, and lastly fill and seal your tooth.
What Can I Do To Reverse Decay and Prevent Cavities?
Brush and floss at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste.
Increase your fluoride intake to help stop the cavity from further decay.
Visit your dentist for fluoride treatments,if your fluoride requirements are not being met.
use fluoridated mouthwashes.
Sealants can be applied to molars to prevent cavities from forming. This is a clear plastic protective coat that can help halt or reverse current decay on a tooth if the cavity is small enough and in the early stages.
Limit eating and drinking foods that have a high sugar content. These types of foods and drinks contribute to tooth decay. If you do consume these foods, make sure to brush right afterwards.
Visit your dentist for regular check-ups
Six Simple Ways to Heal Tooth Decay and Reverse Cavities
Like most people, when you discover you have a cavity or pain in your teeth, the first thing you do is make an appointment with your dentist as you think that fillings are the only way to fix cavities. However, what most people fail to realize is that tooth decay and cavities can rarely be reversed and fillings aren’t the only option available.
Here are some principles behind how you can heal cavities naturally and prevent tooth decay.
- Reduce the amount of sugar you consume by changing your diet. A change in diet, according to research, can really reverse dental decay. You may make simple dietary changes right now, such as:
Increasing your calcium intake by eating more calcium-rich foods (such as kale, collards, broccoli rabe, and dairy) will help to strengthen your bones and teeth.
Pop, juice, and carbonated beverages should be avoided since the sugars create excessive plaque and tartar formation, which can lead to cavities.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day ensuring you reach all the surfaces, crevices, pockets and corners.Floss at least once every day. This helps eliminate any residual food from behind your gums and inhibits the formation of germs.Use mouthwash; it has antibacterial characteristics and aids in the removal of any bacteria that may have remained in your mouth..
- Vitamins and supplements should be included in your diet. Micronutrients are necessary for bone health and to keep inflammation in check in order to avoid or reverse cavities. Certain vitamins aid in the production of saliva, which helps to keep bacteria from sticking to your teeth, and certain vitamins assist to strengthen your teeth.Bananas, Brussels sprouts, and peas are all foods that encourage salivation. Vitamin B, D, magnesium, and iron are among the vitamins you should take. If you don’t want to take supplements, eat healthy grains and fish instead (i.e. salmon, canned tuna and sardines are all great sources of vitamin D).
- Consume meals that contain natural probiotics. Consuming probiotics helps to counteract the acidic pH because nasty bacteria linked with illness hunt for places to hide in the little crevices between the teeth. Kombucha, kefir, and fermented foods like kimchee and sauerkraut are high in probiotics. These meals promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the mouth, which is necessary to avoid plaque accumulation and tooth damage.
- Keep an eye out for the pH levels in the foods and beverages you eat. Bacteria can grow in an environment with an unbalanced pH level. Coffee, like other citrus fruits and sweets, causes pH imbalances and serves as the ideal setting for pathogenic mouth bacteria to thrive. If you consume coffee on a regular basis and have tooth decay, green tea is a fantastic option since it includes a polyphenol (known as catechins) that serves as a potent antioxidant and has various anti-inflammatory qualities that inhibit the growth of dangerous bacteria and improves oral health.
- Create a different oral care routine. Have you ever heard of the oil pulling technique? Oil pulling is said to produce a soap-like washing agent on the teeth that is also hydrating and antibacterial. To minimise plaque development, it entails swishing an oil (such as sesame, sunflower, or coconut oil) in the mouth for 10-20 minutes. It is critical that you do not ingest the oil and that you rinse your teeth immediately thereafter. In just one month, oil pulling was found to decrease plaque and gingivitis.
Remember, if a cavity has already struck, a trip to the dentist may not be avoidable. However, you can limit the damage by following these simple steps and paying a little extra attention to your pearly whites.
Frequently asked questions (FAQS)
Can cavities heal by themselves?
No, cavities cannot heal by themselves. You need to visit a dentist to get a cavity treated. However, cavities can be prevented by following good oral habits.
How do you heal a cavity in 2 days?
Cavity can be helped only by visiting a dental practitioner. A cavity can be treated by doing a dental filling which is barely a 15minutes procedure.
How long does it take for a cavity to destroy a tooth?
A cavity can take a few months to years to destroy a tooth. There is no specific timeline about how and when the decay would progress, it totally depends on each individual’s oral care regimen, dietary habits and medical conditions,if any.
Why do cavities turn black?
When the decay has progressed from the enamel to the dentin it starts appearing black. Dentin is the tissue layer present below the enamel, and when decay reaches this layer it turns black.
Can you brush away a cavity?
No you cannot brush a cavity away. Once a cavity has formed, it will not go away unless treated by a dental practitioner. It will only continue to grow and progress,if left untreated. Brushing properly is helpful only in preventing cavities.
Other FAQs about Teeth Cavities that you may be interested in.
Can a cavity form in 2 months?