How to Stop a Cavity From Growing | Sani Dental Group

Discovering you have a cavity can be concerning, but with the right approach, it’s possible to prevent it from worsening. Understanding how to stop a cavity from growing can make a big difference in preserving your dental health.

From daily habits to timely dental care, taking action now can help protect your teeth and avoid more extensive treatments down the line.

Understanding Cavities

Cavities, also known as dental caries or tooth decay, are small holes that form on the surface of your teeth. These holes are caused by acids produced by bacteria that thrive on leftover food particles, especially sugars.

The development of cavities occurs in stages, starting with the demineralization of the enamel; you may notice small, white, chalky spots on your tooth.

Many wonder “Do small cavities hurt?” The answer is they may not, but if left untreated, these spots can progress to more significant damage, leading to brown or black holes in the teeth.

Signs a Cavity Might Be Growing

Although cavities in early stages are not much of a hassle, detecting a cavity early can help take action on how to stop tooth decay getting worse. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:

• Tooth Sensitivity: One of the first signs of a growing cavity is increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks. You may notice discomfort or sharp pain when consuming them. This sensitivity results from bacteria and plaque reaching the dentin, the layer beneath your tooth enamel.

• Visible Dark Spots or Holes: As mentioned earlier, when a cavity progresses, you may start to see dark spots or holes on the surface of the affected tooth. 

• Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth can be signs of tooth decay. Bacteria in areas of decay can produce unpleasant-smelling compounds, indicating that a cavity is worsening.

• Swollen Gums: When cavities are too advanced and reach the tooth pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, they can cause pain, redness, and swelling in the gums around the affected tooth.

If you start noticing these symptoms, visit your dentist to receive proper treatment, and answer all your questions on how to slow down a cavity.

Daily Habits to Prevent a Cavity from Growing

In addition to visiting your dentist, another essential approach on how to stop a cavity from spreading is including good oral hygiene habits in your routine.

Brush Your Teeth Regularly and Properly

Brushing your teeth at least two times a day using fluoride toothpaste is key to maintaining proper oral health and preventing new cavities from forming or existing ones from worsening.

Fluoride strengthens enamel, helping to protect your teeth against decay by reducing the ability of bacteria to make acid that damages them. 

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The impact of brushing your teeth will also depend very much on whether it is done correctly. The American Dental Association recommends the following for proper brushing:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, of the right size, making sure it fits in your mouth allowing it to reach all areas.

• Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.

• Gently move the brush back and forth using short strokes.

• Brush all areas of your teeth.

• For the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and use gentle up-and-down strokes.

But, can a cavity be reversed? In its very early stages, a cavity can sometimes be stopped or even reversed through diligent brushing, fluoride treatments, and proper oral care, which work together to prevent the decay from progressing too far.

Floss

While brushing cleans the surface of your teeth, flossing reaches areas that a toothbrush can’t, like between teeth and along the gumline. These tight spaces are the perfect spots for bacteria to accumulate and cause decay.

By removing hidden debris and plaque, flossing helps to maintain cleaner teeth and healthier gums, reducing the risk of cavity growth.

Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can also help to prevent cavities. Water helps rinse away food particles and sugars that bacteria feed on, reducing the acid production that can lead to tooth decay.

It also encourages saliva production, which is essential for neutralizing acids in the mouth. Drinking water throughout the day, especially after meals, helps wash away cavity-causing substances and keeps your mouth fresh, supporting overall dental health and preventing cavities from worsening.

Visit Your Dentist

Regular dental visits are one of the most effective ways to prevent a cavity from worsening. During checkups, your dentist can spot early signs of decay, even in areas that may not yet be causing discomfort. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that can’t be managed by brushing and flossing alone, addressing potential problem areas before they lead to larger cavities.

With interventions done in time and personalized care, routine dental visits help keep small cavities in check, preventing them from developing into more serious dental issues.