Sadly, the short answer is no, cavities do not heal on their own. While your body can heal cuts and bruises naturally, cavities are different.
Once a cavity forms, the damage to your tooth enamel is permanent because enamel—the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth—cannot regenerate. Cavities require professional dental treatment to stop the decay and restore the tooth.
Let’s break down why this is the case and what you can do if you suspect you have a cavity.
What Is a Cavity?
A cavity is a small hole that can develop in your tooth due to tooth decay. It starts when bacteria in your mouth, found in plaque, feed on sugars from food and drinks. This process produces acids that gradually erode your enamel. Over time, these acids create small holes that can worsen if left untreated, potentially leading to infections or even tooth loss.
Poor dental hygiene habits, a high-sugar diet, or simple genetic predisposition can all make you more likely to develop cavities.
While in some cases you may be able to see a cavity (it may look like a small pit or area of discoloration on your tooth), you are more likely to notice other symptoms, including:
- Tooth pain or aching
- Sensitivity to temperature changes, sugary foods, or pressure.
- Bad breath or a persistent bad taste.
If you’re experiencing these signs, it’s worth paying attention to them and scheduling a dental appointment.
Why Can’t Cavities Heal Naturally?
Unlike skin or bones, tooth enamel doesn’t contain living cells, so it can’t repair itself. Once the enamel is breached and a cavity forms, the damage is irreversible without intervention. However, that doesn’t mean that all tooth decay requires a filling or more extensive dental treatment.
In the very early stages of tooth decay—before a cavity fully develops—demineralization (the loss of minerals from enamel) can sometimes be reversed. Things like fluoride treatments, good oral hygiene, and a low-sugar diet can help remineralize enamel and prevent a cavity from forming.
But, unfortunately, once the decay progresses into an actual hole, that window closes, and no amount of brushing or hoping will fix it.
What Should You Do if You Think You Have a Cavity?
If you are worried you have a cavity, don’t wait for it to just go away. Here’s what you can do:
See a Dentist
The most important step is to see your dentist right away. A professional can evaluate the damage and recommend treatment, like a filling, to stop the decay from spreading. Catching a cavity sooner rather than later makes treatment simpler and can prevent complications like infections.
Evaluate Your Options
In most cases, minor to moderate fillings can be treated with a simple filling, where the decay is removed and composite is used to fill the hole. More severe decay may require other dental procedures like a root canal, crown, or, in extreme cases, tooth extraction.
Maintain Oral Health
Good oral hygiene is the best measure you can take to prevent cavities from forming in the first place. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and limit sugary foods and drinks to protect your teeth moving forward.
Suspect a Cavity?
Are you experiencing tooth pain or any other symptoms of a cavity? While it’s tempting to hope these things will heal on their own, the reality is that tooth decay, or any significant tooth or gum symptoms, should be evaluated by a professional.
So don’t wait ! By addressing a cavity right away, you can avoid more invasive and costly treatments later on. If you have any cavity symptoms, reach out today and schedule a check-up ASAP.