Written by Zack Youngblood, DMD | Reviewed by Karla Robinson, MD
Published on February 22, 2024
Key takeaways:
Fluoride treatment can help to get rid of an early cavity. Other treatments like fillings, crowns, or a root canal can help when your cavity is more advanced.
Some natural remedies like clove oil and green tea can help to strengthen teeth, prevent cavities, and reduce tooth pain.
Early detection and treatment along with a dedicated oral hygiene routine can give you the best chance to reverse or stop the progression of cavities.
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Cavities are a common dental issue affecting many people. Good oral hygiene is important for preventing and addressing cavities in the early stages. But you may be wondering what you can do to reverse or stop the cavity from getting worse. Let’s take a closer look at treatment options and natural remedies that can help you to get rid of a cavity.
Is it possible to heal a cavity?
The simple answer is yes, it’s possible to heal a cavity. But unfortunately, this is only in rare cases — when the cavity is in the early demineralization stage. This is also known as the pre-cavity stage, when the cavity is still in the first layer of your tooth. This is the only stage where the damage from a cavity can be reversed or stopped.
Remineralizing a cavity at this stage is possible, but it takes a dedicated hygiene routine with toothpaste products that have fluoride. Other ways of supporting the remineralization phase include:
Increasing saliva production
Drinking more water and less acidic drinks
Chewing sugar-free gum that contain the ingredient xylitol
Eating a calcium-heavy diet that includes cheeses, yogurts, milk, and vegetables like collard and kale greens
Once a cavity progresses and reaches the second layer of your tooth, there’s no way to heal it on your own. You’ll need a trip to your dentist at this point to fix your cavity.
How do you treat a cavity once it’s formed?
The best treatment for a cavity depends on its severity and your overall health. Here are four common treatment options to get rid of a cavity.
Fluoride treatment
If your cavity is still in the early stages, there may still be time to stop it in its tracks. A professional fluoride treatment will help add minerals back to your tooth enamel and could even reverse the cavity.
For the best type of fluoride treatment, you’d have to visit a dentist. A fluoride application done at the dentist will have a higher amount of fluoride than what’s found in tap water, mouthwash, or toothpaste.
Filling
A filling is the primary treatment option for a cavity. A filling is a material that’s used to “fill” and strengthen a tooth that has been damaged by a cavity. It also helps to restore the normal function of the tooth.
Fillings can be completed with a variety of materials that vary in cost and durability. Some filling materials can blend perfectly with your natural tooth shade, but they’re generally more expensive.
Crowns
If the cavity begins to damage the structural component of the tooth, your dentist may suggest a crown as the best treatment option. A crown will act as a custom-fitted cover for your tooth and is usually made of porcelain or a type of metal material, like gold. Strong materials like these will provide enough structural integrity to the tooth and reduce the risk of fracture.
Root canal
In some cases, the nerve may be compromised by the cavity. A root canal helps to restore and save a damaged or infected tooth. During this procedure, the dentist will remove the infected nerve and fill the area with a plastic material. A custom-made crown is then placed on the tooth after your root canal procedure to seal the tooth from any further damage.
How long can a cavity go untreated?
How long a cavity can go untreated depends on many factors. In cases where teeth are kept very clean and free from excess bacteria, a cavity may take years to progress. But, it’s best to keep in mind that this is rare.
In general, the sooner you take action, the better. Regular dental checkups help you understand how your dental health is doing. If you find a cavity early and get it fixed, you’ll save money and avoid more serious problems and pain.
Are there natural remedies to help fight cavities at home?
While visiting the dentist and getting your cavity properly treated will be effective, there are several natural remedies that you can try in the meantime. These dental home remedies may help to slow the growth of cavities and reduce the possibility of pain. And they may help to prevent further decay from forming on other teeth.
Let’s review three home remedies you can try to help with cavities.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a natural sweetener that comes from plant fibers and can help stop the spread of bacteria in your mouth. It does this by increasing saliva, and preventing the bacteria from producing the acidic environment it needs to survive. In turn, xylitol can help create a healthy barrier to prevent cavities from forming in your teeth.
Xylitol is found in some toothpastes and chewing gums. Regular use of chewing gum with xylitol for at least 3 weeks can decrease the levels of cavity-causing bacteria.
Clove oil
Clove oil is a natural remedy that has been widely used to treat tooth pain. One active ingredient in clove oil is eugenol, a chemical that may have natural anesthetic and antiseptic properties.
You should always visit a dentist if you think you have a cavity and tooth pain. They’ll need to figure out if your pain is from a cavity or other dental issues. In the meantime, a small amount of clove oil may help to control your pain until your dental visit. You could apply one to two drops of oil directly on the area of the cavity with a cotton swab. The oil will soak into the cavity and produce a numbing effect. This can be done every 2 to 3 hours as needed.
Green tea
Unsweetened green tea naturally contains fluoride. This can help to strengthen your teeth and make them more resistant to cavity-causing acids. Fluoride can be found in other common everyday household items like tap water, certain toothpastes, and mouth rinses.
How do you know if a cavity needs treatment?
Your dentist is always a good place to start in diagnosing a cavity and in giving you the best treatment plans. But there are signs and symptoms that can help you know that it’s time for treatment. These can include:
Sudden discomfort while chewing
Increased sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures
Any brown or black spots on your teeth (those spots may also be textured)
Food getting stuck in unusual places
Holes or pits in your teeth that you can see
Throbbing tooth pain that comes and goes
What to do for a cavity that’s causing pain?
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications can help treat your tooth pain from a cavity. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) tend to be more effective than prescription pain medication. You can also combine these with other OTC pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) for added pain relief.
You should make an appointment with your dentist if you’re having significant pain from a cavity. They can help confirm the diagnosis and make sure there’s no other reason for your tooth pain. In some cases, they may need to prescribe antibiotics to treat your cavity pain as well.
The bottom line
Regular dental checkups are important for finding cavities early on, before they become severe. Seeking care as early as possible can help you get rid of a cavity if it’s in its early stages. It can also help reduce a serious or more costly cavity repair. In some cases, home remedies like chewing gum with xylitol may also help prevent a cavity from worsening. If you’re concerned that you may have a cavity, visit your dentist. They can help confirm if you have a cavity and give you guidance on the next steps you should take.
References
American Dental Association. (n.d.). Root canals. Mouth Healthy.
American Dental Association. (2023). Xerostomia (dry mouth).
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