Many of our patients (or people who are not yet patients), wonder: “Can I tell whether or not I have a cavity without going to the dentist?”

It’s a fair question, but before we continue we should take a second to point out that cavities are a serious dental condition, and if you do suspect you have a cavity, you need to get it looked at by a dental provider as soon as possible. If you’re in the Gresham area, we’d love to get to talk with you. Either way, continue reading for information on what a cavity looks like, and answers to some other frequently asked questions about cavities.

What is a cavity?

Cavities are spots in the surface of your teeth which have been damaged, often by a combination of factors related to a lack of proper dental hygiene. Left untreated over time, cavities will simply get larger as they offer a refuge for bacteria and other corrosive substances to do their work – decomposing more and more of the layers of your teeth.

Are cavities visible to the eye?

Cavities are often just tiny holes or divots in the tooth. It might just look like a discoloration. It might be a small hole you can feel with your tongue or see in the mirror. When you can see or feel a cavity, it’s probably too late to avoid professional intervention.

But often you won’t be able to see a cavity because of its size or location. Early in a cavity’s development, you may not even feel it. Over time, you will most notice a cavity by the sensitivity and pain it causes.

What are the stages of a cavity?

Enamel Damage

The outer layer of the tooth is called enamel. It is the strongest substance in the human body, but can be eaten down by acid and bacteria over time. The deterioration at this stage can be treated either by cleaning and sealing, or by a simple filling.

Dentin Damage

Beneath the enamel layer is dentin, which is more porous and easily broken down by continued bacterial growth and chemical decomposition. Better teeth brushing and even mouth wash will only cause pain at this point without making anything substantially better. Dental restoration by a professional will be required – perhaps a crown, inlay, or onlay. Your dentist is the only one who can say for sure.

Root Canal Infection

Within each tooth is a collection of soft tissue known as dental pulp. This is composed of nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues. When the bacterial spread in the tooth has reached this point it is called a root canal infection and will require – you guessed it – a root canal to treat.

In some cases, the tooth can be saved even though it’s reached this point. In others, it will require removal.

Oral Abscess Formation

Sometimes the decay of a tooth will lead to the development of an abscess. An oral abscess is a formation of pus and bacteria in the soft tissues of your mouth. This may burst under the wrong circumstances, which is a medically dangerous situation. Your dentist will need to drain the abscess and treat the infection to prevent it from developing further.

How can I heal a cavity without going to the dentist? Can a cavity go away on its own?

The answers here: you can’t, and no. If you have been diagnosed with a cavity, you need to get it taken care of by a dentist. Be careful of trusting any source which suggests otherwise, as it may cost you in the future.

How do you stop cavities from growing?

Proper dental hygiene involving good brushing, flossing, and the use of a fluoride-based mouthwash are all great ways to help prevent a cavity. However, sometimes genetics wins out over even the best efforts at prevention. Once a cavity has become established, the only way to stop cavities from growing is to get a filling, a crown, a root canal, or a tooth extraction. The kind of treatment you require is dependent on how far along the cavity has developed.

Why do I get cavities even though I brush and floss?

There are all kinds of factors that can contribute to getting a cavity, including:

• Foods with a lot of sugar content
• Foods and drinks which leave a film on your teeth for a long time
• Eating or drinking frequently
• Not getting enough fluoride
• Age
• Dry mouth
• Worn out fillings
• Acid reflux
• Eating disorders which expose your mouth and teeth to stomach acid
• Genetic susceptibility

While good dental hygiene can help counter these things, it can only do so much.

Can teeth be sensitive without a cavity?

Here are a few of the other possible causes of tooth sensitivity:

• Brushing too hard
• Teeth grinding
• Eating or drinking acidic things regularly
• Stomach acid reflux
• Gum recession
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Wearing down of tooth enamel through improper bleaching (this may be a temporary side effect of bleaching done properly, as well)

How do you fix a cavity?

Fixing a cavity always comes down to cleaning out the area and/or filling it in. If caught early, getting a filling and sealant may be all that’s needed. When the condition is more serious, a root canal, filling, and crown may be required. At some point, the only option will be to extract the tooth entirely.

How long can you go with an untreated cavity?

When you first start developing a cavity, you may have no idea that anything is happening. Over time (which will vary on a case-by-case basis), the situation will cause more and more discomfort and pain as your tooth deteriorates.

Correspondingly, the longer you wait, the more intensive the treatment that will be required. What we’re trying to say is that asking the question “How long can I wait?” is not really the right question to ask. Get in to see a dentist as soon as possible. If payment is something you’re worried about, your dentist may be able to connect you with financing options or other assistance.

What should I do if I get a cavity?

If you suspect you have a cavity and are in the Gresham, Oregon area, we encourage you to give Main St Dental Gresham‘s office a call today to learn more about how we can help. Get in touch with your trusted local dentist.