Can You Reverse A Cavity?

Cavities are one of the most common reasons to see a dentist. It usually occurs because of improper oral hygiene. Not brushing and flossing your teeth can allow bacteria and food debris to linger in the mouth, eventually leading to plaque and tartar buildup.

Over time, the bacteria release acids that slowly break down tooth enamel, creating a permanent hole in the tooth. The hole gets bigger and bigger, allowing the bacteria to get inside the tooth, affecting the nerve and even causing an infection.

This is why it’s so important to get a cavity treated the moment you notice it. But is it possible to reverse a cavity without seeing the dentist?

The Stages of a Tooth Cavity

There are 5 stages of tooth decay:

• Demineralization - The enamel is exposed to the acids caused by the bacteria eating the sugars and starches from food particles.

• Enamel decay - The enamel is broken down, and a tiny hole is formed in the tooth.

• Dentin decay - The bacteria reach the soft tissue inside the tooth (called dentin), leading to pain.

• Pulp decay - The bacteria has reached the pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels lie. Symptoms are often more severe at this stage.

• Infection - If the cavity is left unchecked, sooner or later, the tooth becomes infected and may need a root canal or even an extraction

It’s important to understand these stages because they will essentially dictate the type of treatment you’ll ultimately need to fix your tooth.

So Can a Cavity Be Reversed?

You can reverse a cavity if it’s in the demineralization stage. At this point, the enamel is still intact, so the tooth can be remineralized with fluoride exposure. In some cases, you may even be able to do it at home if you brush and floss your teeth frequently, though you will likely get better results at the dentist’s office through a professional fluoride treatment.

Once the cavity creates a hole in the tooth, however, the cavity cannot be reversed. Tooth enamel does not regenerate like other tissues in the body, so the hole is permanent.

The only way to fix it is for the dentist to clean the tooth of all bacteria, then add a dental filling to fill the hole.

How to Prevent Cavities

Good oral habits are your best defense against cavities:

• Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day
• Floss daily
• Stop smoking
• Cut down on snacking (especially sugars)
• Eat a balanced diet with fresh fruit and vegetables
• See the dentist for routine check-ups and professional cleanings

Dealing with a Cavity in Redmond?

Don’t ignore a cavity. Dr. Daniel Bickel is here to help you restore your oral health swiftly and prevent more damage to your oral health.

Book a consultation at Redmond Art of Dentistry online to get started, or call us at (425) 883-1331 for more information.