Is it possible for cavities to go away?

Question

I've read of the other question about it remineralizing...

I floss, brush, use Listerine, then use Act (fluoride rinse) but my little cavities are getting bigger and I have those white spots...

Answer 1

Nope, sorry. Cavities are basically rot and infection. The only way to get rid of them is to have them drilled out...sucks but true. Go to the dentist and take care of it before the cavity becomes a root canal!

Answer 2

plain and simple. no

Answer 3

no, they can't. unless you get the tooth pulled or get a crown.... Sorry!

Answer 4

The cavities won't go away, but if they are confined to the outer layer of tooth (enamel), they can arrest or be remineralized.  Once they progress through the enamel and get into the dentin (layer beneath the enamel), they need to be filled.

Those white spots you have are probably decalcification, which is the beginning stages of cavities.  If those decalcified areas progress, they will become pitted, then appear brown/black, like the other person suggested.  If they start to form pits, they will need to be filled.

Brushing and flossing is essential, but you need to be doing an effective job or else it is not good enough.  If you aren't sure how effective your efforts are, try using a disclosing tablet (usually red, that can be obtained at a dental office).  If you chew up one of those after you brush/floss, you'll see the areas you need to work on.  Also, those places where you have the white spots are areas you probably need to work on as well.

Aside from brushing and flossing, Act is good.  You can also get MI Paste (which helps remineralize decalcified areas) or chlorhexidine (antibacterial) mouthrinse from your dentist.  They can also apply concentrated fluoride varnishes to those areas whenever you go in.

Also, you need to make sure you aren't snacking/drinking a lot of sodas, juices, coffee w/ sugar/cream, etc, too often.

Gum with xylitol helps also.

Probably more information than you wanted, but hopefully something helps.