Have you ever run your tongue across your teeth and thought, “Hmm, that feels a little off”? Sometimes, that slight difference in texture might mean you’re dealing with a cavity. Tooth cavities can feel like a minor annoyance at first, but they can become a major pain—literally—if ignored. At Vartanian Dental Group, we love helping our patients get ahead of dental issues before they escalate. After all, your smile is part of who you are, and taking care of it can keep you healthier and happier in the long run.

In this blog, we’ll talk about how cavities form, common misconceptions, and what happens if you neglect that tiny hole in your tooth. 

What Exactly Is a Cavity?

We all know cavities are “holes” in our teeth, but what’s really going on under the surface? A tooth cavity is essentially a small opening or hole that develops in the hard outer layer of your tooth, also known as enamel. Over time, harmful bacteria can break down your enamel and move into the deeper layers of your tooth (the dentin). This process is usually fueled by acid production from sugary and starchy foods, as well as from the bacteria naturally present in our mouths.

When you snack on your favorite sweet treats or even foods loaded with carbs (like bread or pasta), the bacteria in your mouth feast on the leftovers. As these bacteria chow down, they release acidic byproducts that attack your tooth enamel. Repeated acid attacks can weaken and break down that protective surface, leading to the start of a cavity.

Sometimes, people don’t even realize they have a cavity until it becomes more serious. You might feel a twinge of sensitivity when sipping hot coffee or a cold smoothie. Or you might not notice anything at all until your dentist spots a cavity during a routine cleaning and exam. Either way, catching a cavity early is key to preventing more advanced tooth decay and the potential for a painful toothache or infection.

Why Do People Get Cavities?

While many of us blame candy and soda for cavities (and yes, they’re definitely major culprits), a variety of factors increase your risk:

1. Oral Hygiene Habits: If you’re not brushing twice a day or flossing regularly, you’re giving plaque and bacteria free rein to party on your teeth. Plaque that isn’t cleared away hardens into tartar, making it even harder to clean those areas and significantly boosting the chances of decay.
2. Eating and Drinking Habits: Sugary snacks, sticky candies, acidic beverages, and frequent munching throughout the day feed bacteria. This leads to acid attacks on your enamel. The more often your teeth are exposed to sugar and starch without a break, the more susceptible they are.
3. Lack of Fluoride: Fluoride is like a superhero for your teeth. It helps re-mineralize tooth enamel, making it more resistant to the acid damage that causes cavities. If you don’t drink fluoridated water or use fluoride toothpaste, you might be missing out on this protective boost.
4. Dry Mouth: Saliva washes away food particles and buffers acid. A lower saliva flow means less of this natural cleansing action, so bacteria can flourish and decay sets in more easily.
5. Genetics: Sometimes, Mother Nature deals us a specific hand. If your parents or grandparents had a higher rate of tooth decay, you might inherit a similar vulnerability.
6. Poor Dental Care Accessibility: Not everyone has easy access to regular dental checkups. Without routine visits, cavities can go unnoticed and untreated, worsening over time.

Remember that even the most vigilant brushing and flossing can miss certain areas, which is why regular checkups are crucial. A cleaning and exam at Vartanian Dental Group can catch early signs of decay (and other issues) before they turn into more complicated problems.

Can You Make a Cavity Go Away?

People often wonder if there’s a way to reverse cavities at home. The short answer: It depends on the stage of the cavity. Early enamel lesions (the very start of decay) may sometimes be reversed or “arrested” if you step up your oral hygiene game and use topical fluoride treatments. However, once an actual hole forms in the enamel, it’s not going to magically seal itself up. When the dentin layer is compromised, you need professional intervention.

That said, you can minimize the damage and possibly halt progression if you act quickly. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Improve Your Oral Care Routine: Start brushing more thoroughly, at least two minutes each time, using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. And if you’re not flossing, now’s the time to begin. Flossing reaches those tight spaces between teeth that a toothbrush simply can’t.
2. Use Products with Fluoride: Fluoride toothpaste or mouthrinse can help strengthen enamel. If you’re not sure which products are best for you, ask your dentist for recommendations.
3. Dietary Adjustments: Cutting back on sugary and acidic foods and drinks can slow the growth of bacteria causing decay. If you do indulge in something sweet, rinsing your mouth with water afterward can help wash away excess sugar.
4. Professional Treatments: If you suspect you might have a cavity—even a small one—book an appointment with your dentist. They might recommend a fluoride varnish or other preventive treatments. In some cases, early lesions can be stopped in their tracks.

So, while you can’t simply will a cavity away, there are measures you can take to prevent further damage. The most dependable option, though, is catching the cavity early and letting your dentist intervene before it digs deeper into the tooth structure.

What Will Happen If a Cavity Is Left Untreated?

You know that nagging feeling when you realize you’ve forgotten something really important? That’s kind of what it’s like ignoring a cavity. It won’t magically disappear, and over time, the damage can escalate. Here’s what can happen:

1. Bigger, More Painful Cavities: The longer you wait, the deeper the cavity can burrow into the tooth’s layers. What started as a small pit can become a massive hole, making it more difficult (and expensive) to treat.
2. Tooth Sensitivity and Pain: When decay reaches the dentin layer, that’s when many people start to notice sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods. Progression into the pulp (the tooth’s innermost layer) can cause sharp, persistent pain that might keep you up at night.
3. Infection and Abscess: Once bacteria invade the pulp, they can trigger an infection. This can lead to an abscess (a pocket of pus) forming around the root of the tooth. Abscesses are not just painful; they can also cause swelling in your face or neck and, in severe cases, pose systemic health risks if the infection spreads.
4. Potential Tooth Loss: An untreated cavity can compromise the structural integrity of the tooth, eventually leading to the loss of that tooth. Tooth extractions might become the only option if the decay is too extensive to save the tooth.
5. Costly and Complex Treatments: Treating a small cavity early on might just require a simple filling. But if you let it progress to an infection or an abscess, you might face more complex procedures like root canals or tooth extractions followed by implants or bridges. These treatments are not just more involved but also heavier on your wallet.

Overall, ignoring a cavity is like letting a small leak in your roof go unfixed: the damage will grow and become more complicated. One day, you might wake up to a severe toothache that makes it impossible to concentrate on anything else. By then, the solution is neither cheap nor straightforward. So, if you suspect a cavity, don’t wait. The sooner you handle it, the less stress and discomfort you’ll face down the line.

How Do You Get Rid of a Cavity Without Going to the Dentist?

This question pops up a lot. The idea of handling a cavity without stepping into a dentist’s office sounds appealing—maybe you’re pressed for time, or you’re nervous about treatments, or you’re worried about the cost. Here’s the truth: once a cavity has formed a real hole in your tooth, there’s no DIY remedy that will completely “heal” it.

Here’s why:

• Decay Physically Damages Tooth Structure: A cavity is literally a loss of tooth structure. It’s not something you can simply brush away with special toothpaste. The decayed portion is essentially dead material that needs to be removed and replaced with a filling or another restorative material.
• At-Home Products Can Only Do So Much: Mouth rinses, oil pulling, or other home remedies might reduce the speed at which bacteria multiply, but they won’t regrow the enamel that has already been destroyed.
• Risk of Infection: If you try to ignore or self-treat a cavity and it progresses to the tooth’s pulp, you’re risking severe infection. This is not only harmful but can become a serious health risk if the infection spreads beyond the tooth.

So, while good oral hygiene habits and lifestyle changes can stop early enamel deterioration and slow down the progression of a developing cavity, they can’t fix a cavity that’s already set in. That’s where professional dental care steps in. A dentist can remove the decayed material, clean and disinfect the area, and fill or otherwise restore the tooth to prevent further damage.

Caring for Your Teeth Moving Forward

Preventing cavities is a team effort between you and your dentist. Here’s how you can keep your teeth strong and healthy:

1. Brush and Floss Consistently: Brushing at least twice a day is non-negotiable. Flossing daily helps reach spots between your teeth, where food often gets stuck. Make it part of your daily routine—just like taking a shower or washing your face.
2. Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride helps strengthen your enamel and ward off those acid attacks from bacteria. If you live in an area with non-fluoridated water, talk to your dentist about other options, like fluoride supplements or varnishes.
3. Rinse After Meals: If you can’t brush right away, at least swish some water around your mouth. This simple step helps dislodge food particles that could feed bacteria.
4. Cut Down on Sugar: We’re not suggesting a joyless life without treats! But try to limit snacks and sweets to occasional indulgences rather than daily habits.
5. Regular Dental Checkups: Scheduling a cleaning and exam at Vartanian Dental Group every six months or as recommended by your dentist is crucial. We can catch early signs of decay before they become more serious issues.
6. Address Issues Promptly: If you suspect a cavity or feel tooth discomfort, don’t put it off. The earlier you see your dentist, the less invasive (and expensive) your treatment will likely be.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Think you might have a cavity, or simply haven’t seen a dentist in a while? At Vartanian Dental Group, we’re here to help.  Why wait until a minor cavity turns into a painful emergency? Whether you’re due for a routine cleaning and exam or suspect something more serious, our team is just one call away. We’re committed to helping you achieve that healthy, confident smile you deserve.

Schedule an appointment today and let’s tackle those pesky little holes before they grow into big troubles. Your teeth will thank you—and you’ll thank yourself later for making the choice to stay on top of your oral health.