A Treatment Plan for Small Cavities
Small cavities start to form from bacteria in the mouth weakening the teeth. The bacteria and their acid hurt the tooth by demineralizing and breaking down the tooth’s structure. The good news is those small cavities can be treated and remineralized without needing a dental filling.
In this article, we will go over what small cavities are and how you can treat them at home. We will also explain at what point the cavity needs help by your dentist to stop the decay process.
Table of Contents
Do Small Cavities Need to be Filled?
Do small cavities need to be filled? This all depends on the size of the decay and where the cavity is on the tooth. If left untreated, a cavity will continue to grow and break down the tooth. If the cavity is large, then you will need help from your dentist to fix the tooth.
On the other hand, there is a chance to reverse the cavity process if caught soon enough.
Can Small Cavities Go Away?
Small cavities are a part of the first stage of cavities called incipient decay. This is when the infected portion of the tooth is within the first layer of the tooth. Can small cavities go away?
- Enamel is the first layer, outer shell, of the tooth that protects the tooth’s center.
- Small cavities are usually asymptomatic and do not cause any sensitivity.
- Due to their size and position in the enamel, small cavities have a chance to remineralize and stop the cavity progression.
Additional information on the symptoms of cavities is in our Interpreting the Signs of Cavities.
What Does a Small Cavity Look Like?
- Incipient Decay: This is when the cavity is just starting to grow through the outer layer of the tooth. At this stage, there is a chance of remineralizing to stop the cavity progression.
- Enamel Decay: At this stage, the infected portion is mostly through the enamel or the outermost layer of the tooth. The cavity will need to be treated but may not need any anesthesia at the dentist.
- Dentin Decay: The cavities in between teeth have now reached the second layer of the tooth, the dentin. The cavity can spread faster through this layer because it is softer than enamel. All chances of can you reverse cavities are not possible at this stage.
- Pulpitis: The pulp is the home of the nerve and blood vessels. At this stage, the infected portion of the tooth has reached the innermost layer. Pain and pressure are most likely present from the infection.
- Abscess: The infection has spread all the way down to the root. At this stage, an antibiotic is most likely needed. A root canal or extracting the tooth is the best treatment plan to resolve the infection. It is important to see a dentist at this stage because it can be life-threatening.
How to Treat Small Cavities
During the incipient stage, small cavities can be remineralized and stop the tooth decay progression. Poor oral hygiene, poor nutrition, and infrequent dental visits are the most common causes of cavities. These three are vital in the remineralization process.
More information is in our Healthy Smile Guide.
Oral Hygiene
There are millions of bacteria in the mouth that have the ability to create a cavity. It is important to mechanically remove the bacteria along with their food source every day in order to remineralize a small cavity.
- Brushing: Brushing 2 times a day for 2 minutes will effectively remove the food, plaque, and bacteria from two-thirds of the tooth’s surface. Using an electric toothbrush can be more efficient and effective.
- Remember to brush the tongue at each brushing session.
- Check out our Electric Toothbrush Benefits for more tips.
- Flossing: Flossing daily is the only way to remove the food, plaque, and bacteria from the remaining one-third of the tooth’s surface. It is very important in treating a small cavity and is best to do before sleeping.
- Remineralizing Toothpaste: Using a toothpaste that can remineralize the teeth will work with your toothbrush to heal small cavities. After brushing, do not rinse for at least 30 minutes. This will allow your tooth enough time to absorb the benefits.
- Your dental office can prescribe you a stronger remineralizing toothpaste.
Dental Nutrition for Small Cavities
Dental nutrition is an equally important component in treating small cavities. Eating a supportive diet will help your teeth stay healthy and reduce bacteria’s harmful activities in the mouth.
- Sugar: All sugar is consumed by bacteria in the same way regardless of if it’s organic, vegan, or natural sugar. Cavity-causing bacteria will consume sugar and produce acid to weaken the enamel.
- Water: Frequent sips of water throughout the day will help neutralize bacteria and acid in the mouth. Staying hydrated is important to supporting your saliva flow which neutralizes bacteria.
- Most bottled water has an acidic pH that aids in the bacteria process.
- Healthy Food for Teeth: A well-balanced diet is important in supporting oral health. Foods high in calcium, vitamin D, potassium, and phosphorous are important in strengthening your teeth and bone.
- Feed bacteria less by eating more meals and snacking less.
Our Dental Nutrition Guide has more tips on healing eating for oral health.
The Importance of Dental Visits for Small Cavities
Scheduling routine dental visits at least every 6 months is very important in treating small cavities. Your dental team will help diagnose and prevent oral diseases to improve the overall health of the body.
- Dental X-Rays: Radiographs are important in diagnosing small cavities and monitoring the progression through the tooth’s layers.
- Dental Cleanings and Exams: Your dental hygienist will skillfully remove calcified plaque and bacteria between the teeth and under the gums where the toothbrush and floss cannot reach.
- Fluoride Treatments: Professional strength fluoride treatments can help remineralize teeth fast and prevent cavity progression. It can also help improve dental sensitivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can little cavities go away?
Small cavities can be remineralized and go away with daily effort. The combination of good oral hygiene, a supportive diet, and regular dental visits are the only way to stop cavity disease progression.
Are small cavities worth filling?
The line between small cavities having a chance of remineralizing or treating in the dental office is small. If the cavity has passed the enamel layer, then it will continue to grow until treated.
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile store for educational brochures and other fun printables to help with oral hygiene. All products can be customized to fit your dental needs.
