How to heal cavities at home (and in 2 days)

Can a cavity heal at home?

Not once there is a hole. NIDCR says that before a cavity forms, early decay can be reversed, because enamel can repair itself using minerals from saliva and fluoride from toothpaste, and a dentist can apply fluoride to help. Cleveland Clinic says very early enamel decay may be reversible with fluoride treatment and better oral hygiene, but that once decay reaches the dentin a filling, crown or other restoration is needed. A hole in a tooth does not heal itself.

Can you heal a cavity in 2 days?

No source we read describes any way to heal a cavity in two days. Early remineralization takes time, and the sources give no timeline, so claims of a two-day fix online are not supported. If you have a visible hole, sensitivity or pain, the cavity needs treatment. Waiting can turn a small filling into a root canal or an infection, as Cleveland Clinic's cavity stages show.

What can help very early decay

NIDCR and Cleveland Clinic list the same measures for the earliest stage, and a dentist should confirm that is what you have.

• Fluoride toothpaste twice a day and, if advised, a fluoride mouth rinse.
• Professional fluoride treatments, prescription toothpaste or mouthwash from a dentist.
• Cleaning between your teeth daily and limiting sugary and starchy foods and drinks.
• Drinking fluoridated tap water where available.
• Regular checkups and X-rays, so early decay is spotted and monitored.

Can you heal tooth decay naturally?

Natural remedies are not supported. The ADA says there are no reliable scientific studies showing that oil pulling reduces cavities, and does not recommend it as a dental hygiene practice, advising brushing twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day and not using tobacco. ADA MouthHealthy's cavity page lists brushing with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth, limiting snacking and sealants as prevention. Nothing we read says that diet alone, or any home remedy, can heal an existing cavity.

How long does it take to fill a cavity?

Healthline says a simple filling can take as little as 20 minutes and a standard one is typically an hour or less, with larger or multiple fillings taking longer. A small filling typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, according to Healthline's page on whether fillings hurt. The sources do not give separate times for two or three cavities, so ask your dentist whether they can be done in one visit. Our guide on how long it takes to get a filling explains what changes the time.

What happens if a cavity is not treated

Cleveland Clinic lists the stages: demineralization, enamel decay, dentin decay, pulp damage and abscess, and says untreated decay can lead to tooth loss, a painful abscess and an infection that can spread. Treatment gets more involved as decay goes deeper: fluoride for the earliest stage, fillings for a hole, root canal for advanced decay with pain, and extraction if a tooth cannot be saved.

What a dentist will do

A dentist will examine the tooth, probably take an X-ray, and tell you the stage of decay. Cleveland Clinic says a decayed tooth may feel softer when probed and that X-rays can reveal decay before it is visible. They will recommend fluoride treatment, monitoring or a filling depending on what they find.

Frequently asked questions