Can cavities healed naturally?

One of the most common questions I hear is: Can cavities heal or reverse naturally?

The answer is a little complex, and that’s what we’ll break down today.

If I had to give you a quick yes or no answer:

1. Yes: cavities that are only in the enamel can often be reversed.

2. No: if the cavity has reached the dentin, it cannot heal on its own.

A Quick Review of Tooth Anatomy

Enamel: The outermost layer of your tooth. I’s actually the strongest substance in your body.

Dentin: The softer layer beneath the enamel. It contains more organic material and is more vulnerable to decay.

Pulp: The center of the tooth, where the blood supply and nerve live. The pulp communicates with the dentin through tiny tubules that are wider near the pulp and thinner toward the enamel.

Why Is the Answer Complex?

Because unless the root causes are addressed, cavities will keep coming back no matter what toothpaste, rinse, or product you use.

Remember: doing the same thing over and over while expecting a different result- well, that’s the definition of insanity.

Root Causes of Cavities

1. Mouth breathing

2. Poor nutrition

3. Lack of fat-soluble vitamins

4. Too much sugar or fermentable carbs (yes, that includes white flour-even gluten free versions)

5. A consistently acidic oral environment that keeps the pH low

How to Tell if a Cavity Has Reached the Dentin

A proper clinical exam with X-rays is the only way to know for sure how far decay has progressed.

What You Can Do in the Meantime

1. Use a remineralizing toothpaste or one with probiotics (you can alternate for better results).

2. Ditch all added sugars and all white flour products (fruit is ok- the natural fiber changes how your body processes the sugar).

3. Maintain your mouth basic. Avoid acidic food and beverages. You can also drink water to raise the pH of your mouth. Don’t forget to filter your water and add minerals to it.

The Bottom Line

No single product will “heal” a cavity. Instead, it takes a holistic approach: remineralizing, supporting your body with the right nutrients, and most importantly, identifying the root cause of why you are prone to decay in the first place.

When you address the “why” you can not only stop existing cavities from worsening; you can actually prevent the disease altogether.

True wellness starts in your mouth.
Dr. Norma Cortez
Your Biological & Airway Dentist