Can a Cavity Go Away Naturally?

Have you ever felt a sharp pain in your tooth, and suspected a cavity? The thought of getting a filling may make anyone anxious, so many people wonder if a cavity will go away naturally. Well, the truth is that you may be able to reverse it when it’s first starting to form, but that doesn’t mean you should take any chances. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the question of whether a cavity can go away naturally and what you can do to prevent it from getting worse.

What Is a Cavity?

First, let’s take a moment to understand what a cavity is. A cavity is a hole in your tooth that develops from an acid attack. This acid is produced by bacteria in your mouth when they digest sugars and starches left behind from food and drinks. 

Once the acid gets in there, it slowly eats away at your tooth’s enamel, causing a cavity to form. You may not notice it much in the early stages, as a cavity may not cause any symptoms, but as it grows deeper, it can lead to sensitivity, pain, and even tooth loss.

Can a Cavity Go Away on its Own?

Now, let’s answer the big question- can a cavity go away naturally? The answer is that it depends on the stage of the cavity. In the earliest stage, known as demineralization, the cavity may be able to reverse itself with proper care. This means brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and cutting down on sugary snacks and drinks.

However, once a cavity has progressed to the point of decay, it cannot heal on its own. At this stage, the cavity has caused a hole in your tooth that needs to be filled by a dentist to prevent further damage. And while it may be tempting, delaying treatment could lead to more extensive and costly procedures, such as a root canal or tooth extraction.

How Do You Prevent Cavities From Getting Worse?

If you do have a cavity, the best course of action is to get it filled by a dentist. A filling will remove the decayed portion of your tooth and fill the hole with a substance like resin or amalgam to prevent further damage. 

And the best part is that, unlike root canals and tooth extractions, getting a filling is a quick and easy procedure that can be done in one visit.

Tips on Preventing Future Cavities

While you can’t make them go away naturally at the decay stage, you can prevent future cavities from forming. Here are some tips on keeping your mouth cavity-free:

  • Get Regular Dental Cleanings and Check-ups: A dentist can catch cavities early on when they are easier to treat. 
  • Practice Good Oral Hygiene at Home: This means using fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and limiting sugary snacks and drinks.
  • Use Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen your tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks. You can get fluoride treatments from your dentist or use a fluoride mouthwash at home. This is especially important for children, whose developing teeth are more susceptible to decay.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, while it may be possible to reverse a cavity in the early stages, it’s not worth taking any chances. By delaying treatment, you could set yourself up for more extensive and costly procedures down the road. 

Remember, prevention is always better than a cure when it comes to cavities. So, take care of your teeth and make sure to see your dentist at the first sign of trouble.

Do you have a cavity that needs attention? If so, we’d be happy to help! Click here to get in touch with Shelburne Village Dental, and book your appointment today.

Our patients will always be our first priority. We are devoted to creating an exceptional experience with every patient that walks into our office.

Book An Appointment






    Skip to content