How to Treat Cavities

Co-authored by Tu Anh Vu, DMD and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: July 6, 2022 References Approved

If you have a sharp pain or increased sensitivity in your tooth, you might have a cavity. These small holes in your teeth can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, so it’s important to take care of them right away. Most cavities are treatable, and there are a couple different options you can choose from depending on the size and location of your cavity. Read through these common questions to figure out what you need to do and how to treat your cavity today.

Question 1 of 6:

What are the symptoms of a cavity?

Tooth pain, sensitivity, or visible holes in your teeth are common. However, when a cavity is first forming, you might not have any symptoms at all. If you notice that there’s a certain spot in your mouth that all of the sudden becomes painful or more sensitive, make an appointment with your dentist to get checked out.^{[1]
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Cleveland Clinic
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Question 2 of 6:

Can a cavity go away on its own?

No, a cavity will only continue to get worse. Since a cavity is a hole in your tooth, leaving it untreated will only make the hole bigger. It’s important to start treating your cavity as soon as you notice the signs, like increased tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling.^{[2]
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- Leaving a cavity untreated for too long can even cause you to lose your tooth.

Question 3 of 6:

Can you treat a cavity at home?

No, but you can treat your pain levels. Unfortunately, you’ll need a dentist to treat your cavity for you. While you wait for an appointment, you can take an over the counter pain reliever, brush with sensitive-teeth toothpaste, and avoid any drinks that are too hot or too sweet (since that can cause you pain).^{[3]
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- Oil pulling is sometimes recommended as an at-home treatment for cavities. However, there is no scientific evidence to back this up, and experts don’t recommend it.^{[4]
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  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
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Question 4 of 6:

How do you stop a cavity from getting worse?

1
Get a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen the outside of your tooth. If you have a small cavity that you caught early, you can go into your dentist and ask for a fluoride treatment. If your cavity is very mild, fluoride may be able to reverse it.^{[5]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
2
Maintain good oral hygiene. Bacteria causes cavities to get worse. Try to keep brushing your teeth twice per day and flossing at least once a day. Avoid sugary sweets, and limit the amount of snacking you do throughout the day.^{[6]
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Question 5 of 6:

What can a dentist do for a cavity?

1
For mild cavities, they will give you a filling. If you caught your cavity early on, a dentist will be able to treat it with a filling. First your dentist will numb your mouth so you can’t feel anything, then they will take a glass, quartz, or metal filling and use it to fill the hole in your tooth. It will stop your cavity from getting worse, and it should take away any pain or discomfort in your mouth.^{[7]
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2
When cavities reach your inner tooth, you may need a root canal. Root canals are usually saved for severe cavities that have eaten through the outer layer of enamel. During this procedure, your dentist will numb your mouth so it doesn’t hurt and then use a small drill to remove the diseased pulp. Then, they will fill the hole with a filling.^{[8]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
3
If your tooth is severely decayed, it may need to be removed. Unfortunately, if your cavity is severe enough, your dentist may have to numb your mouth and then extract the tooth completely. It shouldn’t hurt, and you may be able to get an implant to replace your missing tooth.^{[9]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}

Question 6 of 6:

How do you prevent cavities?

1
Brush and floss every day. Cavities are caused by bacteria that get into our mouths every day. When you brush your teeth every morning and night and floss at least once a day, you can get rid of a lot of the bacteria that might give you a new cavity. For extra protection, rinse your mouth with mouthwash afterwards.^{[10]
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Research source
Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Dentist. Personal interview. 7 May 2020.}
2
See your dentist twice per year. Your dentist can give you a checkup and make sure your teeth are in good shape. They can also give you a deep clean and get rid of any plaque buildup on your teeth that might lead to cavities later on.^{[11]
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Research source
Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Dentist. Personal interview. 7 May 2020.}
3
Ask your dentist about fluoride and sealants. Fluoride treatments make your outer teeth stronger, leaving them less prone to cavities. Sealants fill in any deep holes or crevices in your teeth that might be prone to bacteria buildup. If you think those might help you, talk to your dentist about them.^{[12]
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Expert Q&A

Question

What if I'm to worried that drilling it will only make it worse?

Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic in London. He received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.

Cristian Macau, DDS

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Expert Answer

You should not worry about having your teeth restored. This is the procedure which helps to complete healing and drilling is a part of it. If you feel any pain, then your dentist can numb your tooth.
Question

Can cavities below the gum line be repaired?

Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic in London. He received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.

Cristian Macau, DDS

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Expert Answer

Indeed. Any type of cavity can be fully restored using dental materials as long as your dentist can obtain a perfect dry area and a good view. Cavities below the gum line require the insertion of a retraction cord which helps the dentist to remove the entire damaged structure.
Question

How often do you recommend someone go to the dentist for a regular checkup?

Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a board certified dentist who runs her private practice, Tu's Dental, in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

Tu Anh Vu, DMD

Board Certified Dentist

Expert Answer

I recommend going twice a year, or every 6 months. Your dentist can clean any calculus, tartar, or plaque off of your teeth, which is very important for your dental health. Also, it's a great way to build a relationship with your dentist, and you'll be able to catch any problems early, which may make them easier to treat.

Warnings

You may not experience any symptoms or see any signs when cavities start penetrating your teeth. However, as the cavities continue to enlarge, the symptoms worsen.

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