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Does Dentin Heal if You Have a Cavity?
Posted on 3/3/2025 by Elite Dental of Natick
Cavity diagram. Have you ever noticed a white spot or a dark brown stain on your tooth? It might be a cavity, also known as tooth decay. This happens when the hard outer layer of your tooth, called enamel, is damaged by bacteria. But what happens to the inner layer of your tooth, the dentin, when you have a cavity? Can it heal itself?

What is Dentin?


Dentin is the second layer of your tooth, located beneath the enamel. It's softer than enamel but harder than bone. It makes up the majority of your tooth and contains tiny tubes that connect to the pulp, the innermost part of your tooth containing nerves and blood vessels.

Can Dentin Heal?


Unfortunately, dentin cannot fully heal itself like other parts of your body. Once the bacteria have damaged the dentin, it leaves a permanent scar. However, the good news is that dentin can partially repair itself by forming a protective layer called "reparative dentin." This layer helps to slow down the progress of the cavity and protect the pulp from further damage.

Restoration Dentistry: The Key to Stopping Cavities


While dentin has some self-healing capacity, it's not enough to fully stop a cavity. That's where restoration dentistry comes in. Your dentist will remove the decayed dentin and replace it with a filling or other restoration material like a crown or inlay. This prevents further damage to your tooth and restores its function and appearance.

Prevention is Key: Taking Care of Your Teeth


The best way to deal with cavities is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some steps you can take:

•  Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps to strengthen your enamel and make it more resistant to decay.
•  Floss daily. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can't reach.
•  Eat a healthy diet. Limit sugary foods and drinks, which can contribute to tooth decay.
•  See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. This allows your dentist to identify and treat cavities early, before they cause major damage.

Conclusion:


While dentin has some self-healing ability, it's not enough to stop a cavity on its own. By practicing good oral care and visiting your dentist regularly, you can prevent cavities and keep your teeth healthy for years to come. Remember, prevention is always better than cure!

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Elite Dental of Natick
All Your Dental Needs.
All Under One Roof.

Elite Dental of Natick


232 Pond St.
Natick, MA 01760-4376

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Elite Dental of Natick, 232 Pond St., Natick, MA 01760 ~ (508) 319-9339 ~ elitedentalofnatick.com ~ 3/22/2025 ~ Page Terms:Dentist Natick MA ~