It is not possible to eliminate an established cavity simply by brushing your teeth. Regular brushing and good oral hygiene are fundamental for preventing new cavities and maintaining tooth health, but cannot reverse a physical hole in the enamel. Brushing prevents early tooth decay, but once a cavity forms, professional dental intervention is necessary.
How Cavities Form
Cavities, also known as dental caries, result from tooth decay. This begins when bacteria in the mouth interact with sugars from foods and drinks. These bacteria produce acids that attack tooth enamel, the hard, protective outer layer of the tooth.
Acidic attacks cause enamel to lose minerals, a process called demineralization. Initially, this mineral loss may appear as a white spot, indicating early decay. At this early stage, before a true hole forms, remineralization can sometimes reverse the process by redepositing minerals. However, if acid attacks continue and minerals are lost faster than restored, enamel weakens and breaks down, forming a physical hole or cavity. Once formed, brushing alone cannot repair it.
Brushing’s Role in Tooth Health
Brushing is a primary defense against cavities, though it cannot repair an existing one. Daily brushing removes plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, food particles, and acids that constantly forms on teeth. Regularly removing plaque prevents prolonged acid attacks that lead to demineralization and cavity formation.
Fluoride in toothpaste significantly enhances brushing’s preventative power. It strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid erosion. Fluoride also aids remineralization by redepositing lost minerals, which can stop or reverse early demineralization before a cavity fully forms. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste is essential for preventing decay and strengthening teeth, serving as a preventative and early intervention measure, not a cure for established cavities.
Professional Treatment for Cavities
When a cavity has formed, professional dental treatment is necessary because brushing cannot restore the lost tooth structure. A dentist removes the decayed portion using specialized tools. After removal, the tooth is restored, often with a filling material such as composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain.
Early detection and treatment of cavities prevent further damage and more complex procedures. If left untreated, a cavity can progress deeper into the tooth, reaching sensitive inner layers like the dentin and pulp. This progression can lead to increased pain, infection, and may necessitate more extensive treatments like root canals or tooth extraction. Regular dental check-ups allow dentists to identify and address cavities early, preserving more natural tooth structure.