How to Fix an Early Sign of Cavity Before It Worsens

Why Do Cavities Happen?

As explained by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, cavities occur when your teeth are repeatedly exposed to acids produced by oral bacteria. These bacteria break down sugars and other fermentable carbohydrates, creating acids that gradually dissolve the tooth enamel.

Once the enamel is repeatedly exposed to acid attacks, it can lose its minerals and appear as a white spot, which is one of the early signs of a cavity.

What Do the Early Signs of a Cavity Look Like?​

Not all cavities begin with pain. Some of the early signs of a possible cavity include:

• Chalky white spots on your tooth surface.
• Tooth feels sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet food as the enamel loss progresses.
• You experience mild discomfort for a very short duration when you chew or bite.
• While not always, some patients may experience food impaction in a tooth in progressive stages.

How Can I Stop a Cavity From Progressing?

When you notice the early signs, it’s common to feel anxious about it. The following can help stop or reverse enamel demineralization if the cavity has not yet formed a hole. A few changes in your daily habits can help limit the progress of a cavity, such as:

• Brush your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste.
• It is better to floss every day so that no plaque stays in between your teeth.
• Use a fluoride mouthwash as recommended by your dentist—prescription-strength fluoride may be advised in some cases.
• Avoid the intake of sugary foods that may trigger an attack.
• Drink enough water so that you can rinse off the acids
• Set up a consultation with a dentist for a timely restorative treatment.

How Do Dentists Help With an Early-Stage Cavity?

If you are having an early-stage cavity, then your dentist may use a fluoride treatment that may increase the strength of the enamel and may potentially restrict the decay. Dentists may place sealants on molars with deep grooves or early fissure caries to help prevent progression.

If the cavity is a bit more advanced, a deeper hole that cannot be mineralized, then the dentist may also place a resin filling that fills up the cavity and provides protection.