Do you dread the thought of getting a cavity filled? Most people do. It’s normal to wonder if there’s a way your tooth can repair itself naturally.
As an experienced dentist, Mark L. Civin, D.D.S., answers concerns like this regularly. Learn more about cavities here, including your treatment options.
How Cavities Form
Can cavities heal on their own? Before we dive into that question, it’s important to understand what they are first. Cavities are structural holes that form when a sticky bacterial biofilm, known as plaque, aggressively erodes the tooth enamel.
Acidogenic bacteria feed on leftover dietary sugars and carbohydrates in your mouth and ferment them into organic acids. As the acids lower the mouth’s pH below a critical threshold, a destructive process called demineralization begins, stripping away the protective calcium and phosphate ions from the enamel.
What Is Remineralization?
Before the tooth enamel erodes and turns into a full-blown cavity, it can still “heal” through a process called remineralization. Every day, acids from food and plaque strip away essential minerals from your enamel, but your saliva fights back by bathing your teeth in fresh calcium and phosphate. These minerals soak back into the enamel and patch up the microscopic weak spots, rebuilding the tooth’s hard outer surface.
Keep in mind that remineralization can only strengthen weakened enamel. If there’s already a hole in the structure, it’s too late for self-repair.
Halting Early-Stage Tooth Decay Before It Creates Permanent Damage
If you suspect early decay, you can still reverse it by aiding the natural remineralization process. Start a consistent dental care routine with the following steps.
Brush and Floss Daily
Brushing twice a day helps remove bacterial buildup and gives enamel a chance to strengthen itself. Plaque also likes to hide between teeth, so grab that floss and go over those tight areas you can’t reach with a brush.
Use Fluoride Products Regularly
Fluoride supports remineralization and encourages the formation of a more acid-resistant tooth structure. Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, and consider a nightly fluoride rinse. You can also ask your dentist whether additional fluoride treatments, such as gels or varnishes, may be beneficial for your needs.
Watch Your Diet
Sugar fuels bacteria that damage enamel, so try to limit sweets and sugary drinks. Drinking plenty of water also helps by keeping your mouth moist while washing away some of the food particles and bacteria.
Get Regular Dental Checkups
Don’t skip those cleanings. Your dentist can spot trouble early and remove hardened plaque that you might miss with brushing and flossing alone.
Is It Already Too Late?
If decay has progressed beyond the enamel and into the dentin, it may require professional treatment depending on its size and activity. Early-stage cavities are barely noticeable, which is why regular dental checkups are vital. As the problem progresses deeper, you may notice the following:
- Toothaches or spontaneous pain
- Tooth sensitivity to very sweet, hot, or cold foods
- Visible pits or holes in your teeth
- Black, brown, or white staining on the tooth surface
- Pain when biting down
Dental Fillings for Fixing Cavities
Decay from early-stage cavities may eventually reach the sensitive nerves inside the tooth and cause significant pain when left unchecked. Getting a filling might sound intimidating, but it’s actually a protective measure designed to save you from much more invasive and expensive procedures down the road, like root canals or full tooth extractions.
Dentists clean out the decayed spot and plug the gap with a durable, inert material. This simple fix seals the tooth, blocks out new bacteria, and restores its natural strength.
Trusted Dentist in Palm Beach Gardens
Can cavities heal on their own? Can you get cavities with veneers? Mark L. Civin, D.D.S., and his team can answer all your questions, assess the condition of your teeth, and provide personalized recommendations.
Call (561) 624-2224 to book a consultation.
