The short answer? No. Although you can take steps to halt the decay process at home, your dentist needs to treat existing cavities. In the earliest stages of tooth decay, it’s possible to remineralize the tooth enamel and prevent a cavity. However, once the enamel is thoroughly weakened or destroyed and you feel the effects of that decay, only a dentist can repair the damage.

As mentioned before, only a dental professional can diagnose you with a cavity. Still, you might notice the early signs of decay by looking in the mirror. A white spot on the tooth is usually a sign that the enamel is weak and will likely decay. At this stage, you can re-mineralize the tooth to strengthen its enamel. Use a mouth rinse or toothpaste with fluoride and calcium to help with these repairs.

After a cavity has developed, the only effective way to heal cavity pain is through restoration treatment. How your dentist will repair your cavity depends on the severity. If the decay has created a hole in the tooth’s enamel but has not spread to the tooth's nerves, your dentist will likely make a filling. After the cavity is cleaned out, the dentist places a filling to seal up the hole in the tooth and prevent further decay.

In more severe cases, your dentist might perform a root canal treatment to fix the tooth, or you might have the entire tooth removed and replaced with an implant or bridge. Although these might seem like extreme options, these treatments can help improve both your oral and overall health in the long term.

Avoid worrying about how to fix a cavity at home altogether by being more proactive in cavity prevention. Follow these simple steps to help prevent future decay:

1: Create a healthy oral care routine. Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each with fluoride toothpaste. Clean between your teeth daily with floss or another interdental device. For extra protection, rinse afterwards with a fluoride mouthwash.

2: Make changes to your diet. The bacteria in your mouth that create cavities feed on sugars and starches. This process produces acids that can harm your teeth and wear away enamel. Avoid sugary and starchy foods as much as possible, and focus on eating foods that help fight decay, such as dairy products and raw vegetables.

3: See your dentist regularly. Don’t wait until you start feeling the pain to see a dental professional. With twice-a-year dental visits, your dental professional can detect any signs of decay early and help you reverse the damage before extensive treatment is needed. If you have a history of cavities, your dentist or dental hygienist might recommend more frequent visits.

So, can you fix cavities at home? Unfortunately, no. Only a dentist can repair a cavity, so you should make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible. However, you do have the power to halt the decay and prevent future damage. Start implementing a tooth-healthy routine today and reap the benefits of a strong enamel for years to come.

Can cavities be treated at home without professional dental help?

No, cavities require professional attention to repair and treat the affected tooth. Left untreated, cavities can lead to more serious complications and infection and may require a root canal or tooth extraction. If you suspect you have a cavity it’s best to visit your dentist right away. They can measure the depth of your cavity and decide the proper course of treatment. It is dangerous to try and fix a cavity at home and it may cause worse problems in the end.

What are natural remedies or recommended oral hygiene practices to aid cavity healing?

There are oral hygiene practices that include natural remedies to help halt tooth decay that contributes to cavities. Brush and floss twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and maintain good oral hygiene. Fluoride can remineralize teeth to stop early decay from progressing into a cavity. In addition, a natural remedy that may prevent tooth decay is oil pulling. This practice involves swishing an oil, like sesame or coconut, in your mouth for about 20 minutes, before spitting it out. A clinical trial featured in the Journal of Oral Research and Review, showed that oil pulling with coconut oil reduces plaque, gingivitis, and the number of bacteria in the mouth and may be just as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash without any side effects. Oil pulling shouldn’t replace brushing.  If decay has progressed to a cavity and there is a hole in the enamel, then a filling is required to repair the damage.

Are there specific signs that indicate my cavity is improving naturally, and how can I monitor these changes?

Cavities won’t resolve on their own and will require a filling. If decay is in the initial stages, it will show up as white or brown lesions on the tooth’s surface. In this case there is a chance it can improve with remineralization. This involves using fluoride toothpaste or having your dentist apply fluoride varnish or gel to your teeth. To aid improvement naturally consider taking Vitamin D, proven to help release calcium and minerals into teeth. Also be sure to stay hydrated and avoid dry mouth as saliva can naturally help with remineralization. 

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.