What Cavities Actually Are
Cavities happen when bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and release acid. That acid slowly wears away the hard enamel layer of your tooth.
Early decay can sometimes be remineralized — meaning you can slow or stop it before it turns into a hole. But once it breaks through the enamel, it doesn’t heal like a cut or bruise.
What Can Help at Home?
The most important thing: keep things clean.
- Brush twice daily with a high-fluoride toothpaste
- Spit — but don’t rinse — after brushing to let the fluoride stick
- Chew xylitol gum to help reduce cavity-causing bacteria
- Cut down on snacking — especially sugary or starchy foods
- Drink water after meals to rinse away acids
These tips can help slow things down — especially if your cavity is just getting started.
When It’s Too Late for DIY
Once decay gets past the enamel, home care isn’t enough to stop it. You might need a little help if you’re noticing:
- Lingering sensitivity to sweets or cold
- Visible dark spots or stains
- Floss snagging in the same area
- Rough or sharp spots you didn’t notice before
That’s when our SMART restoration might be the right next step.
What to Expect With SMART
We’ll take a look, walk you through what’s going on, and explain what your options are — no pressure. If SMART’s a good fit, the process is quick, gentle, and no numbing is needed.
If it’s not the right solution, we’ll give you a plan that works for your situation — always with honesty and no surprise costs.
Still Unsure? That’s Okay.
Whether you're trying to stay ahead of things or you just want to avoid the drill, we're here to help you figure out the best next step.
+1 (610) 678-5700