Can Cavities Heal if Left Alone?
September 1, 2021
Tooth decay is one of the world’s most widespread health problems.
What is a cavity, really? Cavities are permanently damaged parts of the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities are caused by the union of many factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent repeated, sipping on sugary drinks, and not cleaning your teeth well. A cavity may resemble an innocent white spot in its early stages, but it may cause more serious dental issues when left untreated.
Can Cavities go away on their own?
The truth is that sadly, no, they can’t. Although most of us do our best to brush and floss after eating, the bacteria from foods we consume build up over time, forming a sticky deposit known as plaque. As we eat and drink all day, the bacteria feed off the sugar and use it to make acid. That acid remains on our teeth, gradually but consistently attacking the outer surface of our teeth.
Most cavities form in the deep grooves and pits found in the back teeth. The surface topography of those back teeth tends to trap more food and make them more susceptible to decay. Too often, people tend to brush only the teeth they can see and neglect the back teeth, where bacteria may be doing damage that isn’t noticeable until later.
Most Americans have at least one cavity before the age of 20. Suppose oral decay is left untreated; it will begin to grow and affect deeper layers of your tooth. This decay can lead to severe toothache, infection, and even tooth loss.
Best Prevention: Visit Your Dentist
Regular dental visits and good oral cleaning habits are your best protection against cavities and tooth decay. It is recommended that you visit your dentist every six months for an exam and cleaning to increase your chances of discovering any decay early on. Between these regular visits, it is essential to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly to prevent cavities from forming.
While going to a dental professional will mean needing to budget for the cost of exams and x-rays, the cost of not going to a dentist can be far more significant.
Dental decay never goes away on its own, but you can prevent it by visiting your dentist regularly. While the process of looking for a quality dental professional can seem daunting, Dr. Spaulding is here to help.
Spaulding Dental Co. – Gig Harbor, WA Dentist
As a skilled premier dentist in Gig Harbor, Washington, Dr. Melissa Spaulding has the skill and expertise to give you exceptional results for a life-long timeless smile.