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Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well.

Can a cavity go away?

Cavities don't go away on their own. Cavities slowly expand to the point where they can move into the pulp and pulp chamber of your tooth, causing you pain – which could eventually lead to needing a root canal. Therefore, try to get to the dentist as soon as you notice a cavity.

Are cavities contagious?

Do Tooth Cavities Spread? It may be surprising to learn that tooth cavities spread and are contagious. Similar to catching a cold sore, you can also catch a cavity by swapping spit. Cavities are usually caused by sugar build up that decays teeth.

Are cavities permanent?

Enamel can repair itself by using minerals from saliva, and fluoride from toothpaste or other sources. But if the tooth decay process continues, more minerals are lost. Over time, the enamel is weakened and destroyed, forming a cavity. A cavity is permanent damage that a dentist has to repair with a filling.

How damaging are cavities?

Cavities usually do not hurt, unless they grow very large and affect nerves or cause a tooth fracture. An untreated cavity can lead to an infection in the tooth called a tooth abscess. Untreated tooth decay also destroys the inside of the tooth (pulp).

Can I wait 6 months to fill a cavity?

As a broad timeline, on average, it can take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity needs treatment. The conditions of your mouth change daily.

Can you brush out a cavity?

They occur when bacteria from food sits in between the teeth and if not removed with flossing, the bacteria will slowly start to eat away at the tooth and cause decay, or, a cavity. Unfortunately, once a cavity is fully formed, it is nearly impossible to simply brush and make it go away.

Is a cavity a hole?

A cavity is a hole in a tooth that develops from tooth decay. Cavities form when acids in the mouth wear down, or erode, a tooth's hard outer layer (enamel). Anyone can get a cavity. Proper brushing, flossing and dental cleanings can prevent cavities (sometimes called dental caries).

Can my boyfriend give me cavities?

Catching a cavity by kissing is totally possible — technically. Say What?! While you may not be able to catch the actual cavity, you can definitely exchange bacteria with the person you are kissing.

Can you brush away a cavity?

They occur when bacteria from food sits in between the teeth and if not removed with flossing, the bacteria will slowly start to eat away at the tooth and cause decay, or, a cavity. Unfortunately, once a cavity is fully formed, it is nearly impossible to simply brush and make it go away.