It's a common misconception that once a cavity has developed, it will just disappear on its own. Even if the cavity is caught very early on, it still requires dedicated brushing, flossing, and exposure to fluoride for reversal.
There is no possible way to cure a cavity once it has reached the inner dentin layer of a tooth. The only sure method to remove a cavity and keep it from spreading is by visiting your dentist and having them remove the damaged area for you by performing a filling procedure.
If a Cavity Hurts, Is it too Late for Brushing to Save It? If you're wondering if it's too late for brushing to save your tooth, the answer is yes. Once you have a cavity, whether it has started hurting or not, beginning a healthy oral care routine won't save you from visiting your Wilmington dentist.
Studies in the British Medical Journal suggest that a change in diet can actually reverse tooth decay. Easy adjustments can be made to your diet immediately like: Consuming more calcium rich foods (i.e. kale, collards, broccoli rabe and dairy) which can help strengthen your bones and 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.
The cavity increases in size, compromising your tooth's stability. The cavity deepens and may lead to a brittle tooth and even a fracture. The decay reaches your nerve, and you require a root canal or in severe cases an extraction.
Tooth decay can progress quickly if left untreated and can lead to unwanted oral health issues down the line. Our Hudsonville dentists want anyone experiencing a cavity to seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid any unnecessary pain or tooth damage.
Often a cavity will look like a dark spot on the tooth, typically yellow, brown, or black in color. Early on, it may resemble tooth staining or a slight discoloration. As cavities progress, the holes get bigger and usually darker.
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. More serious cases can have a discolored brown or black color. However, most often there are no distinguishable red alerts.
If you have a cavity, it becomes even more important. Brushing at least twice a day helps prevent getting even more cavities. When you're brushing, focus on the cavity, trying to remove any food particles.
It can damage your tooth enamel.
You can break this coating by picking your teeth. This is hazardous because you are making your tooth weaker and cause it to be more susceptible to tooth decay. These are 5 very important reasons why you should stop picking your teeth immediately.
Brush the Tooth With Care
Brushing is essential for tooth and gum health. Though you already have a cavity, it still makes sense to brush at least two times per day to help prevent the formation of even more cavities. Zero in on the cavity as you brush to eliminate any remaining food particles from your snack or meal.
Brushing is essential to preventing your cavity from worsening. Brushing will also help prevent the formation of even more cavities. Zero in on the cavity as you brush to eliminate any remaining food particles from your snack or meal. This thorough brushing can help hinder the cavity's progression.
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.
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.
What Does a Cavity Feel Like? Your tooth enamel doesn't have any nerve endings, so if the decay is just on the surface you might not feel anything. If the damage gets down through the enamel, deeper into the inner layer or dentin, you're more likely to: Feel a toothache or feel pain when eating, drinking or biting down.
In addition to discomfort or pain, it's sometimes possible to feel a cavity with your tongue. It may feel like an unusual rough patch, or a slight sharpness around the edge of the hole.
Every Cavity Is Different. The time it takes for a cavity to form varies. It can, on average, take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity requires treatment. The length of time it takes will vary on a case-by-case basis because the conditions of your mouth differ daily.
Tooth sensitivity. Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold. Visible holes or pits in your teeth. Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth.
A common question we encounter when we diagnose cavities is, “if I have cavities, then why don't I have any pain?” It is a common misconception that cavities are always painful. In truth, cavities are rarely painful unless they are so large that they reach the nerve of the tooth.
More than 1 in 4 U.S. adults — 26 percent — have untreated dental cavities, according to oral health data gathered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you have a cavity that has reached the nerve tissue, you may experience some or all of the following symptoms: Toothache when pressure (such as chewing) is applied to the tooth. Tooth sensitivity to heat or cold. Discoloration of the tooth.