Cavities Don't Heal Themselves

It’s easy to delay dental care—especially if a tooth isn’t hurting. But one of the most common misconceptions we hear at Jefferson Family Dentistry is that cavities only need to be addressed when they’re causing pain. In reality, decay begins long before discomfort sets in, and waiting too long can turn a minor issue into a major dental problem.

Let’s take a closer look at what happens when you ignore a cavity—and why early treatment is the key to protecting your natural smile.

What Is a Cavity?

A cavity is a hole in the tooth caused by decay. It begins when bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches, producing acid that breaks down the enamel. Over time, this acid creates a permanent area of damage that only a dentist can repair.

In its early stages, a cavity may be painless and invisible. But left untreated, it doesn’t just go away—it spreads deeper into the tooth and potentially into the root or bone.

The Stages of Tooth Decay

1. Enamel Demineralization
   This is the earliest stage of decay, when acid begins to weaken the outer enamel. It may appear as a white spot on the tooth surface, but usually causes no symptoms.
2. Cavity Formation in Enamel
   Once the enamel is breached, bacteria can penetrate the surface, forming a small hole or lesion. At this stage, you may experience mild sensitivity to sweets, cold, or pressure.
3. Decay Reaches Dentin
   The decay spreads into the softer dentin layer beneath the enamel. Sensitivity often increases, and you may notice occasional pain or discomfort.
4. Infection of the Pulp
   If the cavity is left untreated, bacteria reach the pulp—the nerve center of the tooth. This can cause severe pain, inflammation, and infection. A root canal is often needed to save the tooth.
5. Abscess and Tooth Loss
   Advanced decay can lead to a dental abscess, where pus forms at the root tip. Swelling, fever, and spreading infection may occur. In some cases, the tooth can no longer be saved and must be extracted.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

Even if a cavity seems small, it can progress quickly—especially in children, teens, or adults with risk factors like dry mouth or high sugar intake. What begins as a simple filling can evolve into:

• Root canal therapy
• Crown placement
• Tooth extraction
• Bone grafting or implant placement

Delaying treatment increases both the complexity and cost of care. In contrast, a small filling is quick, affordable, and minimally invasive.

The Risk to Nearby Teeth

Cavities are caused by bacteria, and these bacteria don’t just affect one tooth. When left untreated, decay can spread to adjacent teeth, especially if oral hygiene habits or diet aren’t addressed. In some cases, neighboring teeth may become sensitive, decayed, or loose—leading to a chain reaction of dental issues.

Cavities and Your Overall Health

There’s also a growing body of evidence linking untreated dental infections with systemic health issues. Chronic oral infections have been associated with:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes complications
• Pregnancy complications
• Respiratory infections

Your mouth is connected to the rest of your body—so protecting your teeth supports your overall wellness.

How to Know If You Have a Cavity

Symptoms vary, but signs you might have a cavity include:

• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets
• Pain when biting down
• Visible holes or dark spots
• Bad breath or an unpleasant taste
• Swelling or redness in the gums

That said, many cavities cause no symptoms at all—which is why regular dental checkups and X-rays are essential.

Prevention Is the Best Medicine

The good news is that cavities are largely preventable with a combination of good oral hygiene and regular dental care. Here’s what we recommend:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks
• Visit your dentist twice a year for cleanings and exams
• Ask about fluoride treatments or sealants if you’re at higher risk

Trust Jefferson Family Dentistry for Proactive, Gentle Care

At Jefferson Family Dentistry, we focus on prevention first—but when cavities do arise, we act quickly and conservatively to preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible.

Whether it’s your child’s first cavity or your own overdue exam, we’re here to provide comfortable, compassionate, and judgment-free care for every stage of your dental journey.

Schedule your appointment today and let our Lake Hopatcong team help you stay ahead of decay—before a small issue becomes a serious one.