A cavity can be reversed if it is addressed early. The early stage of a cavity causes the initial demineralization of tooth structure and there is no physical hole present in the tooth. The progression of a cavity can be repaired at this stage by improved oral hygiene practices of brushing and flossing, along with fluoridated products. Cavities do not heal naturally on their own. If the cavity process continues, the tooth structure that is damaged by decay subsequently creates a physical hole (cavity or opening) in the tooth, and it cannot be reversed. Rather, this hole will gradually become worse due to the bacterial infection in the tooth. The larger cavity that is created will lead to further tooth damage, pain, or/or loss.