Tooth decay or cavities can deteriorate your healthy-looking smile and call for frequent dental visits for tooth restoration. When you eat certain acidic or sugary foods and don’t bother to brush your teeth afterward, plaque eventually builds up and eats away the tooth enamel. With the enamel eroded, your tooth’s inner dentin is exposed to germs and bacteria that cause tooth decay. Not only one, but there are numerous causes of a cavity, and learning about the beginning signs and symptoms can help get the right treatment from the right teeth doctor. Early treatment from cavities can save you from the bigger trouble of tooth removal or root canal.
How Do I Know If I Have Cavities?
On a regular visit to your dentist, he may easily detect tooth decay. Sometimes cavities are hard to find and may need an x-ray exam for recognition. Cavities can attack any of your teeth, but your back teeth are the most common victims as they are a little hard to clean. Here are 5 common signs that indicate you have a cavity.
1. Hot-Cold Sensitivity & Pain
When enjoying your morning coffee or evening beer, if you experience a sharp pain in any one or more teeth, a cavity might be alive and kicking. Enamel erosion exposes the tooth dentin. When you drink anything hot or cold, the dentin causes severe pain as a way of telling that it is uncovered. Not only that, the cavity can also give you shocking pain when you try to bite down or brush or floss your teeth.
2. Tooth Staining
Initially, cavities cause minor tooth discoloration, like white marks. But as it grows, the stains become darker and stronger, and it is when you might notice something is wrong with your teeth.
3. Hollow Teeth
The organisms that cause decay nurture by eating away your tooth. Over time you will find holes and pits on your tooth that will call for a filling. When you visit your dentist’s office, they will remove the cavity using special tools and fill the holes with a dental filling.
4. Swollen Gums
A tooth decay present near the gum line can allow the infection to affect the nearby soft tissues. The tissues become tender, and on brushing, you may experience swelling or bleeding in the gums. Bleeding gums are not good and may indicate gingivitis, therefore schedule an appointment with your dentist before it’s too late.
5. Halitosis (Bad Breath)
The decay-bacteria residing in your mouth can give you a horrible taste and bad-smelling breath. If you’re unable to control foul breath, pay a visit to your dentist.
How To Prevent Cavities?
Incorporating the following in your daily routine can help you get rid of the cavity.
- Good oral hygiene practices
- Avoid carbonated beverages
- Avoid smoking
- Occasional deep cleaning sessions
Prevention is always better than cure. Be responsible and keep your mouth clean and clear to maintain healthy oral conditions. In case you notice any signs of a cavity, schedule an appointment with Mission Bend Family Dentistry. Give us a call at 832-895-5110.