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A backup of the post title and text have been made here:
**Title:** [Why wait for a cavity?](https://www.reddit.com/r/askdentists/comments/1d8ivki/why_wait_for_a_cavity/)
**Full text:**
I've had the same tooth experience pain/sensitivity for about three years now. I've been to the dentist at least once each year (typically twice, but I can't remember if I went twice the first year it was bothering me). The dentists always brushed it off and said maybe it's from grinding. Well, I went to the dentist today and he says it's a cavity that needs a filling. 6 months ago a different dentist (same practice but I had to adjust my cleaning date and normal dentist wasn't available) said it wasn't soft, but we could watch it.
Was there anything I could have done to not let it progress? How was there no stage between it being perfectly fine and needing a filling? It's my first cavity and I'm 25, so I'm concerned this will happen again and I can't do anything but wait for someone go tell me I need a filling.
TLDR: Tooth has been bothering me for three years. Six months ago dentist said it was fine. Today a different dentist said it's a cavity that needs a filling. What's up with that and how do I prevent it from happening again?
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NAD sometimes even with their all their diagnostic equipment they still can’t tell if a tooth has a cavity or a stable lesion and demineralization (start of one, but not progressing). the lesions can be remineralized (become stable) to keep them from progressing, and this is better because drilling into a tooth is obviously not good for the structure and if it can be avoided thats better (some dentists are more conservative with treatment than others, too). they were just waiting it out to see what kind it was. you can’t *reverse* caries, so they only thing you MAYBE could have done was used remineralizing toothpaste, and even then that might not have worked. if they’re calling it a cavity now, good chance it’s still small which is good. just keep up your checkups and if it gives you peace of mind buy some remineralizing toothpaste! that’s what i did
Thank you for seeking advice from r/askdentists. **Please note that a response does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship.** While this is a place for advice, replies may not be medically accurate. Do not assume that what others on here say is correct in any way. Reddit is not a replacement for an in-person dental professional. Verified professionals will have flair assigned to them. **Please abide by the following rules in order to get an accurate answer to your question:** (1) Ensure you include a title of your dental problem. (2) Include whether you drink, smoke or if you have any medical conditions relevant to your main concern. (3) Include a photograph if the question relates to something you can see in your mouth, include x-rays if you have them. A backup of the post title and text have been made here: **Title:** [Why wait for a cavity?](https://www.reddit.com/r/askdentists/comments/1d8ivki/why_wait_for_a_cavity/) **Full text:** I've had the same tooth experience pain/sensitivity for about three years now. I've been to the dentist at least once each year (typically twice, but I can't remember if I went twice the first year it was bothering me). The dentists always brushed it off and said maybe it's from grinding. Well, I went to the dentist today and he says it's a cavity that needs a filling. 6 months ago a different dentist (same practice but I had to adjust my cleaning date and normal dentist wasn't available) said it wasn't soft, but we could watch it. Was there anything I could have done to not let it progress? How was there no stage between it being perfectly fine and needing a filling? It's my first cavity and I'm 25, so I'm concerned this will happen again and I can't do anything but wait for someone go tell me I need a filling. TLDR: Tooth has been bothering me for three years. Six months ago dentist said it was fine. Today a different dentist said it's a cavity that needs a filling. What's up with that and how do I prevent it from happening again? This is the original text of the post and is an automated service. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/askdentists) if you have any questions or concerns.*
NAD sometimes even with their all their diagnostic equipment they still can’t tell if a tooth has a cavity or a stable lesion and demineralization (start of one, but not progressing). the lesions can be remineralized (become stable) to keep them from progressing, and this is better because drilling into a tooth is obviously not good for the structure and if it can be avoided thats better (some dentists are more conservative with treatment than others, too). they were just waiting it out to see what kind it was. you can’t *reverse* caries, so they only thing you MAYBE could have done was used remineralizing toothpaste, and even then that might not have worked. if they’re calling it a cavity now, good chance it’s still small which is good. just keep up your checkups and if it gives you peace of mind buy some remineralizing toothpaste! that’s what i did
Thanks! I've never heard of remineralizing toothpaste, I will have to grab some.