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What Happens If You Ignore a Cavity?

Ignoring a cavity only makes it worse. Learn how decay starts, the progression, warning signs, and why early treatment saves your teeth & money. Read more!

A tiny cavity may not feel like a big deal, especially if there’s no pain yet. But that little spot of decay won’t stay little for long. Cavities grow quietly, and by the time they start hurting, damage is already far along. Taking care of decay early is the easiest (and cheapest) way to protect your teeth.

Plaque forms on your teeth every day. When bacteria feed on sugars, they produce acids that attack your enamel. Over time, that acid causes a small hole, a cavity. Early stage decay is painless, which is why people often ignore it. But here’s what happens next…

Sensitivity to sweets or cold, possible discomfort. Treatment may include a larger filling or an inlay/onlay.

Severe pain, infection, swelling. A root canal is now required to save the tooth.

The tooth may need extraction, then a replacement such as a bridge or implant.

The longer you wait, the more complex and costly the treatment becomes, sometimes up to 10× more.

If you notice any of these, it’s probably time for a dental visit.

No. Once a cavity forms, it will continue to grow until treated professionally. Fluoride can help strengthen enamel and prevent new cavities, but it can’t reverse existing ones. Prevention is always better than cure.

Cavities don’t get better with time, they get bigger, deeper, and more painful. Early treatment protects your smile and saves you money.

Keep reading

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What Happens If You Ignore a Cavity? | Mia Healthcare