On this page · 6 sections
01Why it matters
Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic health problems in both children and adults. Once a cavity breaks through the enamel, it does not heal on its own. The longer it goes untreated, the larger it gets, and a small repair can turn into a larger one. If decay reaches the pulp, the soft center of the tooth that holds nerves and blood vessels, it can cause an infection that may need a root canal or removal of the tooth.
Text version of this infographic
Stage 1: acid from plaque bacteria softens the enamel, often with no symptoms. Stage 2: decay reaches the softer layer under the enamel and can cause sensitivity. Stage 3: decay reaches the pulp and can cause pain or infection. A filling repairs a cavity caught early.
02Signs and causes
Early cavities often cause no symptoms, which is why regular checkups and X-rays matter. As decay grows, you may notice:
- Sensitivity to sweets, hot drinks, or cold.
- Pain when biting down.
- A visible hole, pit, or dark spot on a tooth.
- Food getting caught in the same spot again and again.
Cavities form when plaque bacteria turn sugars and starches into acid. Frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks throughout the day, not getting enough fluoride, dry mouth, and skipping brushing or flossing all raise the risk. The deep grooves on back teeth and the areas near the gumline are common trouble spots.
Get urgent care: a toothache with fever, facial swelling that spreads toward the eye or neck, or trouble breathing or swallowing can mean a serious infection. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
03What happens
The dentist finds cavities by examining your teeth and reviewing X-rays. Very early decay that has not yet formed a hole, sometimes seen as a chalky white spot, may be helped by fluoride and better home care. Once there is a hole, the usual treatment is a filling: the area is numbed, the decay is removed, and the space is filled with a tooth-colored or other filling material. A very large cavity may need a crown to protect what is left of the tooth.
04Cost factors
What treatment costs depends on:
- Which tooth is affected and how many surfaces the decay covers.
- The filling material chosen.
- Whether the decay is deep enough to need a crown or root canal.
- Your dental insurance plan. Call the office to check what your plan covers.
- The option to use CareCredit, which the office accepts.
05How to prevent it
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth once a day.
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially sipping or grazing over many hours.
- Drink fluoridated tap water if your community water supply has it.
- Ask about dental sealants to protect children's back teeth.
- Keep regular checkups so small problems are caught early, while they are easier to fix.
Children's baby teeth can get cavities too. Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, and schedule your child's first dental visit early.
Think you have a cavity? See our dental fillings page.
06Questions people ask
Can a cavity heal on its own?
Once decay has formed a hole in the enamel, it cannot heal on its own and needs a filling. Very early decay that has not yet formed a hole can sometimes be stopped with fluoride and better brushing, flossing, and diet habits.
How do I know if I have a cavity?
Early cavities often cause no symptoms. Later you may notice sensitivity, pain when biting, or a dark spot. The dentist confirms a cavity with an exam and X-rays, which is why regular checkups matter even when nothing hurts.
Do cavities in baby teeth need to be treated?
Usually, yes. Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth and help children chew and speak. Untreated decay in a baby tooth can cause pain and infection. The dentist will recommend the right treatment for your child's tooth after an exam.
Dr. Sadek is the family dentist at Americana Family Dental on Americana Blvd in Orlando. He reviews the health information on this site. Review date: [date pending review]