Can you go a lifetime without cavities?

Cavities, also called tooth decay or dental caries, are one of the most common health problems in the United States and around the world. They affect people of every age, from young children to older adults.

A cavity can start as soon as a tooth comes into the mouth. Cavities were once thought of mainly as a childhood problem, and preventive care for children, such as fluoride and dental sealants, has helped. Children are still far from immune: according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, about 23% of children ages 2 to 5 had cavities in their baby teeth in 2011–2016.

The risk doesn't stop in adulthood. Nearly 90% of adults ages 20 to 64 have had tooth decay in their permanent teeth. Gum recession, dry mouth from medications and older fillings that wear out can all raise the risk as we age.

Several things affect your risk: how well you clean your teeth, what and how often you eat and drink, fluoride, saliva flow, access to dental care and genetics. Regular checkups, a balanced diet and good daily habits help prevent cavities at any age.

Top tips to prevent cavities from Dentist on Madison

• Brush and clean between your teeth. Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner. This removes plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that causes cavities.
• Use fluoride. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent decay. Use a fluoride toothpaste, and ask your dentist whether a fluoride mouth rinse or an in-office fluoride treatment would help you.
• Keep up with checkups and cleanings. Regular dental checkups find cavities early, when they're small. A professional cleaning removes hardened plaque (tartar) that brushing and flossing at home can't.
• Get an exam and screening at every checkup. At each checkup, the dentist examines your teeth and mouth, takes X-rays when needed and looks for early signs of problems, so treatment can be simpler.
• Limit sugary and acidic snacks and drinks. Sugar feeds the bacteria that make acid, and frequent sipping and snacking keep your teeth under attack. If you do have something sugary, drink water or rinse your mouth afterward.

Is it possible to never have cavities?

It's possible, but uncommon. Cavities form when bacteria in plaque feed on sugars and produce acids that weaken the enamel. Frequent snacking and sipping, sugary drinks, dry mouth and missed cleaning all give those bacteria more chances.

With consistent, careful brushing and cleaning between the teeth, enough fluoride, a balanced diet, regular dental checkups and some genetic luck, some people do go through life without a cavity. For most people, though, the realistic goal is to catch decay early, while it's small enough for a simple filling, or even early enough to stop it with fluoride before it becomes a cavity.

Preventing cavities starts with daily habits at home and continues with regular visits to your dentist. To book a checkup at our office on Madison Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, call (646) 540-9095.

Signs you may have a cavity

Early cavities usually cause no symptoms, which is why checkups and X-rays matter. As a cavity grows, you may notice:

• sensitivity to sweets, hot or cold
• a toothache, or pain when you bite down
• a visible hole, pit or brown, black or white spot on a tooth
• food catching in the same place between your teeth

What happens if a cavity isn't treated?

Decay doesn't stop by itself once it has broken through the enamel. It spreads into the softer layer underneath and toward the pulp, where the nerve and blood vessels are. A cavity that reaches the pulp can cause severe pain and an infection or abscess. At that point the tooth may need root canal treatment or even extraction instead of a simple filling.

Frequently asked questions

Can a cavity heal on its own?

In its very earliest stage, before a hole forms, weakened enamel can repair itself with the help of fluoride from toothpaste, water or a professional treatment. Once decay has made a hole in the tooth, it can't grow back; the dentist needs to remove the decay and place a filling.

Are some people more prone to cavities?

Yes. Frequent snacking or sipping sugary drinks, dry mouth (often a side effect of medications), gum recession that exposes the roots, deep grooves in the teeth, braces and older fillings with worn edges can all raise the risk. Your dentist can tell you whether you're at higher risk and what would help most.

How often should I see a dentist?

It depends on your teeth and gums. Many people come for a checkup and cleaning twice a year, but your dentist may suggest more or fewer visits based on your risk of cavities and gum disease.

Do dental sealants prevent cavities?

Sealants are thin protective coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where grooves trap food and bacteria. They're most often placed on children's permanent molars soon after they come in, but adults with deep grooves and no fillings in those teeth can benefit too. Ask your dentist whether sealants would help you or your child.

Does sugar-free gum help prevent cavities?

Chewing sugarless gum after a meal increases the flow of saliva, which helps wash away food and neutralize acids. It can support, but never replace, brushing and cleaning between your teeth.

Do cavities in baby teeth matter?

Yes. Baby teeth help children chew and speak, and they hold space for the adult teeth growing underneath. A cavity in a baby tooth can cause pain and infection, so it's worth treating, and the habits that prevent it carry over to the adult teeth.

*This article is general information, not a diagnosis or medical advice.*

Sources

• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: Dental caries (tooth decay) in adults
• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: Dental caries (tooth decay) in children
• American Dental Association, MouthHealthy: Tooth decay