What Happens If You Ignore a Cavity? Causes & Solutions!

We’ve all been there. You are sipping your morning coffee or eating something cold or hot, and suddenly, a sharp, jolting pain shivers one of your teeth.

Most of the time, we disregard it as nothing or probably just a one-time thing. However, tooth pain can be a symptom of cavities, something you should not take lightly.

At Lynnwood Dental Studio, we understand that in today’s busy lifestyle, finding time for a dentist visit can be challenging. However, ignoring that little pain or delaying a checkup can lead to serious long-term damage.

Here is everything you need to know about what cavities are, what causes them, what happens if you ignore a cavity and why addressing them early is crucial.

Understanding What a Cavity Actually Is

A cavity (medically known as caries) is basically a hole in your tooth. But a cavity is not simply a hole; it’s damage to your tooth caused by a serious bacterial infection.

A sticky film of bacteria called plaque forms on your teeth over time. These bacteria feast on the foods and drinks you consume, particularly those containing sugars or starches. As a result, they produce acids. These acids tend to damage your enamel (the outer protective layer of your tooth), causing it to become weak over time and eventually collapse into a hole. Once the enamel is breached, the bacteria can directly access and damage the inner layers of the tooth.

The Three Main Types of Cavities

A dentist will take time to understand the type of tooth decay to determine the best treatment plan. The three most common types are:

1. Pit and Fissure Cavities

These cavities form on the chewing (top) surfaces of the molars and premolars. Plaque accumulates in the deep grooves and crevices of these teeth, where even toothbrush bristles can't reach properly, making them the perfect breeding ground for decay.

2. Smooth Surface Cavities

These occur on the front sides of the teeth. They are the least common, develop slowly, and are often caused by plaque sitting on the tooth for a long period. Also, they are the easiest to treat if caught early. Routine and thorough flossing can help prevent these cavities.

3. Root Cavities

These usually occur in older people or those with gum disease. If you already have gum disease, broken teeth, or damaged enamel, the root of the tooth will be exposed, causing decay to spread rapidly. These cavities may require emergency treatment.

Causes and Warning Signs You Shouldn't Miss

The thing with cavities is that they might not trouble you at all in the very early stages. But that doesn’t mean they’re not harmful. This is why you should not miss routine checkups and X-rays. As the decay progresses, you’ll start seeing signals, including:

• Random pain or a toothache that occurs unexpectedly.

• Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods.

• Visible holes, damage, or pits in your teeth.

• Brown, black, or white spots on the surface of a tooth.

• Pain when touching or biting down.

The Common Culprits (Causes) of Cavities

Poor Oral Hygiene: Missing routine brushing or flossing allows plaque to get stronger on your teeth.

Dietary Habits: Certain foods like soda, fast foods, or sticky stuff (like gummies or dried fruit) can speed up the damage from cavities.

Dry Mouth: Saliva naturally washes away food and bacteria and neutralizes acid. Dehydration can accelerate decay.

Worn Fillings: Old fillings with cracks can allow bacteria to accumulate in the gaps.

Who Can Get Cavities

There is a common dental misconception that cavities only happen in kids. While it is true that children are more susceptible because of their weaker enamel and somewhat questionable hygiene habits, adults are certainly not immune. Basically, anyone with teeth can get cavities.

Seniors and children: Older people and children are more prone to cavities because of their weaker or receding enamel and more exposed roots. In seniors, medications can also cause dry mouth, increasing the risk of tooth decay.

Genetics: Some people have softer enamel than others, making them more prone to cavities.

The Grazer: Adults who sip coffee with sugar or snack on fast or sticky foods frequently are at higher risk.

Why You Should Never Ignore A Cavity (Symptom)

So, what happens if you ignore a cavity?

Ignoring a cavity will often not lead to anything disastrous immediately. However, it will allow the symptoms to develop into a much bigger and expensive problem over time. Here is how it happens:

Stage 1: The Enamel Breach (Painless)

The decay starts in the enamel. At this stage, you feel no pain. A dentist can often fix the gap with a regular filling. If caught early enough, the damage can even be reversed with fluoride therapy.

Ignoring now will require a more expensive, complex fix later.

Stage 2: The Dentin Invasion (Sensitivity)

Once the enamel is gone, the decay hits the dentin: the yellowish layer containing microscopic tubes that connect with the nerve. This is when you start feeling pain or sensitivity to cold or hot foods.

Ignoring it at this stage will allow the cavity to grow deeper and faster because dentin is softer than enamel.

Stage 3: Pulp Infection (Severe Pain)

If the bacteria are allowed to move further, they reach the pulp chamber, the core part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. This infects the pulp, causing an excruciating toothache that is difficult to manage without treatment.

If ignored, it can lead to even more pain, higher treatment costs, and complex procedures.

Stage 4: Abscess and Systemic Risk (The Danger Zone)

If the infection in the pulp is not treated immediately, the bacteria could infiltrate the root and reach the jawbone. This forms a pocket of pus, known as an abscess, at the base of the root, which can cause painful swelling and fever.

This is a medical emergency. If not treated, the infection can spread to your sinuses and jawbone and even affect your bloodstream, introducing many systemic issues like heart disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory infections.

The bottom line: Ignoring a cavity can turn a minor issue into long-term distress, which might even result in the loss of your tooth.

Restoring Your Smile: Professional Cavity Treatment Options at Lynnwood Dental Studio

The good news is that a tooth cavity is treatable: the earlier the better. At Lynnwood Dental Studio, we advise all our patients not to miss their appointments, allowing us to find out problems before they become severe.

Depending on the severity of the cavity, possible treatments include:

Fluoride Treatments: For early signs of cavities, treatment with high-concentration fluoride can help strengthen enamel and stop decay.

Composite Fillings: Customized, tooth-colored, composite resin fillings are used to fill the gaps formed by bacteria.

Dental Crowns: If the cavity is too deep for a filling or the tooth is weak, a crown (cap) is used to protect the tooth and restore its shape.

Root Canal Therapy: If the infection has reached the nerve, we recommend root canal therapy, which involves removing the damaged pulp, cleaning the area, and sealing it. Modern root canals are a completely painless procedure.

Extractions & Implants: In worst-case scenarios, where the tooth is damaged beyond repair, we recommend the best replacement options based on your specific needs and condition.

Conclusion

A cavity might feel small or insignificant at first, but ignoring it gives the infection a chance to spread deeper and affect other parts of your tooth, your mouth, and your body.

Don’t wait for it to spread. It can be difficult to restore your natural smile, reverse the damage, or save the tooth if you wait too long. Moreover, treatments later can be much more complex and expensive than at an early stage. Visit your dentist today.