Even if you brush and floss like a pro, tooth decay can still creep in when you least expect it. Many patients are surprised to hear that even "healthy" teeth can develop cavities—sometimes in places that are easy to miss.

At Hillside Dental Care, we often see patients who are shocked when their routine checkup reveals decay. They’ll say, “But I take great care of my teeth!” The truth is, cavities don’t discriminate. And if you catch them early, treatment can be quick, affordable, and prevent bigger headaches down the road.

Let’s break down how decay happens, what to do when it strikes, and why fillings are still one of the best solutions to protect your smile.

Can you make a cavity go away?

This is one of the most common questions we hear—and we understand why. No one wants to think about getting a filling if there’s a chance a cavity might heal on its own.

The short answer? Once a cavity has formed a hole in your tooth, it can’t reverse itself.

However, not all spots of decay are created equal. In the very early stages, when enamel has only started to demineralize (no hole yet), it may be possible to stop or even reverse the process. This is called incipient caries, and it often looks like a chalky white spot on the tooth.

At this stage, fluoride treatments, improved brushing habits, dietary changes (like cutting back on sugar), and sometimes special toothpaste can help your enamel repair itself. But once bacteria have broken through the enamel and started creating a cavity, professional treatment is the only way to stop further damage.

Bottom line: If you suspect something’s wrong—or if your dentist spots early signs of decay—acting fast can make all the difference.

What will happen if a cavity is left untreated?

Cavities are like tiny invaders. If you leave them alone, they don’t just sit quietly. They spread.

Here’s what typically happens if a cavity isn’t treated:

1. Enamel Breakdown: The outer layer (enamel) continues to wear away, making the hole larger and deeper.
2. Dentin Involvement: Once decay reaches the dentin—the softer layer beneath the enamel—you’ll likely notice increased sensitivity, especially to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
3. Pulp Infection: If decay reaches the pulp (where the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels live), it can lead to a painful infection or abscess. At this point, a simple filling won’t cut it. You’ll probably need a root canal or even an extraction.
4. Spread to Neighboring Teeth: Yes, cavities can also spread bacteria to nearby teeth, multiplying your dental problems.
5. Bigger Bills: The longer you wait, the more complicated—and expensive—the treatment becomes. What could have been handled with a quick filling might turn into a root canal, crown, or worse.

The takeaway? Ignoring a cavity never ends well. Getting it treated early can save your tooth and your wallet.

How do you get rid of a cavity without going to the dentist?

We hear this one a lot—especially from patients hoping for a natural remedy or home fix. Unfortunately, once a cavity has broken through your enamel and created a hole, there’s no safe, effective DIY solution that can reverse it.

Online, you might come across tips like:

• Oil pulling
• Herbal pastes
• Cutting out sugar
• Using special mouthwashes or fluoride rinses

While some of these practices (like cutting sugar and using fluoride) can slow down cavity progression or help protect other teeth, they won’t close up a cavity that’s already formed.

Trying to treat a cavity at home is a bit like trying to patch a hole in your roof with duct tape. It might seem like it’s working at first, but rain—and decay—will eventually get in.

The only reliable way to remove decay and stop it from spreading is for a dentist to clean out the damaged part of the tooth and fill the space with a strong, protective material. This not only restores the look and function of your tooth but prevents bacteria from sneaking back in.

Why fillings are your best friend when it comes to cavities

Fillings often get a bad rap. No one likes to hear they need one, and the idea of dental work can make even the bravest patients a little uneasy. But in reality, fillings are one of the most important tools we have for protecting your teeth and preventing bigger problems down the line. You might even think of them as the unsung heroes of modern dentistry.

Here’s why they deserve more credit:

They stop decay in its tracks. Once a cavity has formed, it will only grow larger without treatment. Fillings allow us to remove the decayed portion of your tooth and seal it off, keeping bacteria from spreading deeper into the tooth or reaching the sensitive inner layers where the nerves and blood vessels are.

They restore your tooth’s strength. A cavity weakens the structure of your tooth. Even a small hole can make the surrounding enamel more vulnerable to cracking or fracturing, especially when biting or chewing. A filling restores the shape and stability of the tooth, allowing it to handle everyday use without risk of further damage.

They blend in beautifully. Gone are the days when fillings meant noticeable metal spots in your mouth. Today, we use advanced tooth-colored composite materials that match the natural shade of your teeth. In most cases, no one will ever know you have a filling unless you tell them.

They prevent future pain and expense. Catching and treating cavities early with a simple filling can prevent the need for more extensive—and expensive—treatments later. Ignoring a cavity often leads to more complex procedures like crowns, root canals, or even extractions, which require more time, more money, and more recovery.

A word of advice: If you have been told you need a filling but do not feel any pain yet, that does not mean the cavity is not serious. Many cavities do not cause discomfort until they have progressed significantly. Acting early can save you a lot of trouble in the future.

The bottom line

Cavities can happen to anyone—even people who brush and floss religiously. The good news? If you catch them early, they’re nothing to fear.

Ignoring decay won’t make it go away. In fact, it usually makes things worse. If you suspect a cavity or it’s time for a routine checkup, don’t wait. Taking care of your teeth now can save you from bigger problems down the road.

Ready to protect your smile? Schedule an appointment with Hillside Dental Care today, and let’s keep your teeth strong and healthy for years to come.