Have you come across claims suggesting that it is possible to heal a cavity in just two days? Claims like “how to get rid of cavities in two days” can be found online while you are searching for a solution for your cavity. However, you should never get your hopes high, as these claims are not true.
While it might be tempting to think you can fix tooth decay on your own, in reality, treating cavities at home is not practical. Only a dental professional can provide you with a cavity treatment. Read on to learn more about cavities, how they form, the risks of untreated cavities, how to prevent cavities, and when to see a dental professional.
What Are Cavities?
Tooth decay can cause cavities to form. Tooth decay occurs due to various factors, including lifestyle, diet, and oral hygiene. Dental cavities, or dental caries, are small to large holes that form in your teeth. They usually develop on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth and in the crevices between your teeth, where food particles get trapped. Neglecting cavities can lead to other dental problems, including tooth sensitivity, pain, tooth infections, and even tooth loss.
How Do Cavities Form?
A sticky bacterial film known as plaque is constantly forming on your teeth. The bacteria in plaque digest sugar from the foods and drinks you consume and produce acids that erode the tooth enamel (the outermost layer of the tooth). Continued exposure to this acid can slowly break down the enamel, resulting in tooth decay over time. This marks the beginning of the cavity and even gum diseases.
Here are some risk factors for cavities:
- Poor oral health habits
- Acidic diet
- Frequent snacking on sugary foods or sugary drinks
- Reduced saliva flow or dry mouth
In the initial stages, cavities may appear as small white spots on the tooth surface. If the cavity is not removed in a timely manner, the untreated cavity can progress into a darker brown or black spot as the damage to the enamel and dentin worsens. So, if you are thinking of how to get rid of cavities, do not worry, your dental professional can help.
Can You Get Rid of Cavities in Two Days?
Despite online sources claiming to show how to heal cavities in 2 days, these promises are misleading. You cannot get rid of a cavity in two days by yourself because your tooth enamel cannot repair itself. Therefore, even if you try your best to clean the decay out of the tooth or use home remedies to get an effective treatment, it is necessary to have a dentist treat the affected area.
If the cavity penetrates through the enamel, tooth decay may spread further into the tooth structure, eventually into the dentin, and, in severe cases, into the tooth pulp. Unlike a wound on your skin, tooth enamel cannot regenerate once it is damaged. If you are focusing on how to remove tooth cavity, you can only get rid of it by visiting a dentist as soon as possible.
To repair cavities, dentists perform a simple dental filling procedure. During this procedure, your dental professional will first remove the decayed portion of your tooth. Then, they clean the area and place a filling material where the cavity is in the tooth.
Risks of Untreated Cavities
Since cavities cannot heal on their own, they will continue to get worse until a dental professional treats them. As the decay gets worse, you may experience a toothache and increased pain or teeth sensitivity.
Delaying professional dental treatment can also result in other health risks, such as an increased chance of developing a dental abscess. A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection inside the tooth's pulp. It can cause severe throbbing pain, tooth sensitivity, swelling, and fever. If left untreated, the infection can even spread from the tooth to the jawbone. Seeking emergency dental care is essential if an abscess occurs.
Untreated cavities can also lead to higher dental costs over time. When cavities are treated in their early stages, a filling may be all that is needed to repair them. However, if treatment is postponed and the cavity gets larger, more costly treatments like root canals, the placement of a crown on the tooth, or even extractions may be required.
How to Prevent Cavities
If you are seeking ways on how to prevent tooth cavity, following simple yet effective practices can significantly reduce the risk of developing cavities. Here are some of them that you can try to prevent cavities and maintain good dental health:
- Watch what you eat:
Avoid sugary drinks and snacks like soda and candy. Instead, opt for water and healthy snacks such as vegetables. - Establish a good oral hygiene routine:
Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to clear food debris and plaque from between teeth and under the gumline. - Use a fluoride toothpaste:
A fluoride toothpaste can help strengthen your teeth' enamel against acid attacks and reinforce your teeth. - Regular dental check-ups:
Visit a dentist to clean your teeth to remove plaque buildup and tartar and to treat any cavities as soon as possible.
When to See a Dental Professional?
If you detect signs of a tooth cavity, such as tooth pain, sensitivity, or visible changes like discolouration, it is crucial to consult your dentist as soon as possible. Early detection can simplify tooth cavity treatment and prevent further damage. Delay in seeking professional assistance allows cavities to worsen, increasing the risk of complications.
Schedule a dental appointment with your healthcare professional at the earliest if you notice any of the following signs:
- Persistent toothaches or throbbing pain in one or more teeth
- Swelling around your gums near the affected tooth
- Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Holes or pits in your tooth enamel
- White, tan, brown, or black spots on your teeth
- Changes in the shape or colour of your teeth
By following good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and using toothpaste with antibacterial properties, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing cavities caused by cavity-causing bacteria. You can try Colgate Total Advanced Health, which fights germs for 12 hours on teeth, tongue, cheeks, and gums, providing whole-mouth health. It utilises Dual-Zinc + Arginine technology, which actively seeks out bacteria and forms a protective, anti-germ barrier—unlike ordinary toothpaste.
