At this point, you won't be able to treat it at home. You may be able to stop it getting bigger, but the cavity as it is will remain. So no; you can't stop a cavity getting worse – if you mean that it could eventually heal.
The bottom line is you do not have the power to stop your cavity from growing. Your cavity will gradually expand to the point that it moves into the pulp chamber and spurs pain. If the cavity reaches the pulp of the tooth, it will require a root canal.
Is it possible to reverse a cavity that's already formed? There is some evidence suggesting that cavities in their early stages can be reversed. Unfortunately, if you've gotten to the stage where you already feel pain, it's probably too late for that to happen.
Can a Cavity Be Reversed? Yes, you can reverse a cavity if it's caught in the early stages of demineralization.
When a cavity is just starting to form, you may be able to reverse it by brushing several times a day with a fluoride toothpaste. But if the cavity has grown and has been there for a while, the short answer is you really can't make it go away.
Just like any other infection, the bacteria can spread to other parts of the body if it's not treated. After two years of untreated tooth decay, the infection will probably spread to other teeth and the gums. You may also notice swelling around the cheek, jaw, or chin.
On average, as a broad timeline, it can take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity needs treatment. The conditions of your mouth change daily. Conclusion: a cavity can start to form, then not have the right conditions to develop.
Here's what you need to remember: Small or moderately sized cavities are usually treatable with fillings. Those that are too deep or too large may require a more intensive treatment. Once bacteria have entered your tooth, it may be too late for a filling because we will need to prevent or treat an existing infection.
Cavities don't develop overnight. It takes weeks, months, even years for a cavity to form. In fact, most cavities take around six months to five years to develop. If a cavity is caught early enough, you can actually reverse the damage to your child's teeth.
Like most ailments, the longer you leave a cavity without treatment, the worse it's going to get. In a span of 3-6 months cavities can reach the nerve of your tooth. That's not good.
While it is usually difficult to see a cavity in its beginning stages, some cavities start with a whitish or chalky appearance on the enamel of your tooth.
Cavities are small holes in the teeth. As a result, there is no natural way to remove them at home. Only a dentist can fix a cavity by filling it in. That said, home care can prevent cavities.
Noticing a cavity for the first time isn't a dental emergency, but sometimes a cavity does warrant immediate attention from your dentist. If the pain is so severe that you can't wait for a regularly scheduled appointment, it may be a dental emergency.
Unfortunately, as with everything else, the longer you leave tooth decay untreated, the worse it gets. On average, it takes about 3 to 6 months for cavities or tooth decay to start affecting your nerves. Depending on the general condition of your mouth hygiene, this period can be considerably shorter.
In general, adults develop an average of three cavities during their lifetimes. This means that the average adult has three or four fillings in their mouth. Some patients end up with ten or more fillings depending on how well they care for their teeth.
It can take as long as five years from the time a cavity begins to develop to when the tooth needs treatment to prevent the cavity from spreading further. For some people, though, that period can be as short as a few months.
If you can see a hole in your tooth, your cavity has progressed. You will most likely need several fillings or possibly a root canal if you have contracted an infection in your tooth and the tooth becomes an abscess. If you spot a hole on top of the tooth, run your tongue over it.
You may need to have a tooth extracted if: Periodontal disease has badly infected the tooth. The tooth is badly damaged and cannot be restored by a filling or a crown. You are suffering from pain even after a filling, crown, or treatment for a root canal.
Though good oral hygiene that includes brushing and flossing helps in preventing cavities, you may still get cavities. The reasons can be many, like the spaces between teeth that easily trap food, consuming too much cavity-causing foods and beverages, avoiding regular professional-level cleanings and checkups, etc.
These holes can take over your mouth due to a variety of factors, including frequent snacking, excess bacteria, not cleaning your teeth diligently, and drinking sugary drinks daily. Cavities are especially common in children, teenagers, and young adults.