Reviewed By Dr. Tyler N Davis, DMD
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Can I just brush away a cavity?”
After all, brushing your teeth is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your smile healthy, right?
Unfortunately, brushing alone cannot undo a cavity once it has formed.
In this blog post, we will explore what causes tooth decay, the stages of cavity development, and what treatment options are available to restore your teeth.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
We wish you could brush away a cavity, but once it forms, only a dentist can treat it. Fillings, fluoride treatments, and root canals are the go-to solutions to stop decay and save your tooth. So, keep brushing—and see your dentist regularly to catch any issues early!
What Is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is the process where harmful bacteria break down the tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
Enamel, the outer protective layer of the tooth, is weakened when it comes into contact with acids produced by bacteria. These bacteria feed on food particles, especially sugary foods, acidic foods, and sugary drinks.
Over time, this leads to the formation of holes or cavities in the teeth.
Stages of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay develops in stages.
- Stage 1 – Early cavity
In this stage, enamel begins to demineralize, which can appear as a white spot on the tooth surface. This is the earliest sign of tooth decay, and if caught early, it can often be reversed with fluoride treatments. - Stage 2 – Enamel breakdown
As decay progresses, the enamel breaks down, leading to a visible hole. At this stage, a dental filling is required to restore the tooth. - Stage 3 – Decay reaches the dentin
If the cavity progresses further, it reaches the dentin, the softer layer beneath the enamel. This stage results in tooth pain and sensitivity, and more extensive treatment may be needed. - Stage 4 – Advanced decay and tooth loss
In this advanced stage, the decay may spread to the pulp of the tooth, requiring more invasive treatments like a root canal or possibly tooth extraction if the damage is too severe.
Can You Brush a Cavity Away?
So if you are wondering how to remove tooth decay yourself, I’m afraid the answer is: you can’t , and you definitely shouldn’t try!
While regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste is vital for preventing tooth decay, it cannot reverse a cavity once it has formed.
Once enamel has been damaged by acid and bacteria, it cannot regenerate naturally.
Why Brushing Alone Is Not Enough
- Brushing removes plaque: Daily brushing helps to remove food particles and bacteria that form plaque, but it cannot repair the damage to the tooth enamel caused by tooth decay.
- Fluoride can help: Fluoride toothpaste strengthens and remineralizes enamel, but it cannot fill cavities or reverse advanced decay.
- Regular care prevents cavities: Brushing regularly, flossing, and using mouthwash can help prevent cavities from forming in the first place.
Preventing Tooth Decay
The best way to deal with cavities is to prevent them altogether.
A few simple habits can significantly reduce your risk of developing cavities:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove food particles between your teeth.
- Rinse with mouthwash to kill bacteria and strengthen enamel.
- Limit sugary foods and beverages, as they fuel bacteria that cause cavities. Remember that it’s frequency of the sugary things that matters, not quantity!
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and water to promote strong, healthy teeth.
- Avoid acidic and starchy foods that can contribute to enamel erosion.
- Drink tap water with fluoride to help protect your teeth.
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups.
The Role of Professional Dental Care
Preventive care at home is important, but professional dental care plays a key role in maintaining optimal oral health.
Regular dental check-ups are vital for detecting cavities early before they progress into something more serious. Your dentist can also provide professional fluoride treatments to strengthen your teeth and prevent tooth decay.
Treatment Options for Cavities
If you already have a cavity, there are several treatment options to address it. Depending on the severity of the decay, your dentist will recommend the best solution for your specific needs:
- Dental fillings
A dental filling is the most common treatment for cavities. Your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill it with composite resin. - Dental crown
If the area of decay to is too large to fix with a filling, a dental crown will be used to restore the tooth. A dental crown is a tooth colored cap that covers the tooth, restores the shape, size and strength. - Tooth extraction
In severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved, tooth extraction may be required. This is often followed by options like dental implants or bridges to replace the missing tooth. - Fluoride treatment
If the decay is caught early, fluoride treatments can help remineralize the enamel and reverse the damage, preventing further progression of the cavity. There are a few fluorides that dentists use, such as SDF (silver diamine fluoride), and fluoride varnish.
Why Regular Check-Ups Are Essential
Regular dental check-ups are key to preventing cavities and addressing them early. During these visits, your dentist will:
- Examine your teeth for any signs of tooth decay.
- Remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing cannot.
- Provide fluoride treatments to protect your enamel.
- Offer personalized advice on improving your oral care routine.
Book Your Dental Exam in Mesa, AZ
Cavities do not have to lead to permanent damage or tooth loss.
With regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental care, you can keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime.
If you suspect you may have a cavity, or it has been some time since your last dental check-up, schedule a dental exam at our dentist office in Mesa, AZ today.
Call us at (480) 664-1438 or complete the online inquiry form. We are located at 2500 South Power Road, Suite 102, Mesa, AZ.