Many dental conditions can affect your teeth, but tooth decay is the most common among them. A wide range of factors can cause tooth decay. Cavities and tooth decay are among the most frequent health issues around the globe. They are most prevalent among children, teens, and the elderly. Cavities, however, may affect anybody who has teeth, even infants.
Cavities become bigger and harm the inner structure of your tooth if they are not addressed. They can cause severe dental pain, inflammation, and gum disease. When cavities are treated in time, they won’t become more severe, requiring a root canal, or a complete extraction. Hence, looking for the signs and symptoms early on can ensure a perfect treatment.
What Are Dental Cavities?
Cavities are caused when the enamel has been worn or eroded away by acid, allowing the dentin underneath the enamel to become infected with bacteria. Plaque and certain foods can eventually erode the sensitive enamel, making the tooth susceptible to decay. A cavity develops when bacteria penetrate the tooth’s enamel and gain access to the dentin.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Cavities
A routine dental exam can often detect cavities. To diagnose tooth decay or to check for indications of cavities that are difficult to find, a dental x-ray may be required.
Cavities are more likely to form on back teeth, which are more difficult to keep clean. Cavities can develop on all sides and areas of a tooth.
The following are some of the most likely indications of a cavity:
Darkening or discolorations that are visible
It is possible to see dark spots on the surface of a tooth when a cavity is developing. You may think you have mild tooth discoloration at first because these spots look like simple stains. The dark spot on the tooth becomes more prominent over time, signaling decay.
Sensitivity to Hot or Cold
Debris infiltrating the tooth exposes the dentin as it continues to decay. Sensitivity is a problem associated with dentin because it is more porous. There may be sensitivity issues with one or two of your teeth. You might notice a surge of pain in one tooth whenever you drink something hot or cold. This might indicate the presence of a cavity.
Holes or Craters on Teeth
Cavities develop when bacteria digest sugars in the mouth and secretes acid that eats away at the enamel, causing holes and pits in the tooth. You will likely need a filling since these holes indicate a cavity has formed.
Bad Breath and Unpleasant Taste
Bacteria that have been allowed to invade a tooth cause cavities. Bacteria in your mouth, like any other living organism, produce waste products that can cause bad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. You may need a dental examination if you notice persistent bad breath that you are finding difficult to mask.
Pain and Discomfort
Your tooth may be hurting because it has a cavity. When biting down, you may experience sharp, shocking pain. Some patients experience pain or sensitivity in certain areas, making it difficult to brush or floss. They affect the inner nerves of the tooth when the dentin of the tooth becomes exposed.
Swelling or Bleeding Gums
The infection of the tooth can spread to the gum line when the cavity is near the gum line. When you brush or floss, you may experience bleeding or swollen gums. A visit to the dentist is necessary if your gums are bleeding. Gingivitis can also cause bleeding gums.
No Symptoms at All
A cavity of less than one millimeter can show no symptoms. A cavity is usually not noticeable until a patient visits their dentist for a regular check-up. You might not be aware that your teeth have an issue, which leads to the cavity developing.
How can you prevent dental cavities as per the top preventative dentistry practice in Chandler?
Preventing problems is critical because it eliminates the need for restorations and more surgical interventions. The following are among the most prevalent causes of dental erosion:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Eating before going to bed
- Consuming sweetened drinks
- Bedtime baby feeding
- Insufficient fluoridation
- Dry mouth
- Damaged or weak restorative materials
- Consistent gastric reflux and acid distress
To avoid dental cavities, maintain healthy teeth and gums, and notify a dental office providing preventative dentistry in Chandler if you have any concerns. The earlier you detect a cavity, the more likely it is that you will simply require a dental filling rather than a more intrusive
surgery.
Importance of Dental Hygiene and Checkups
To keep your mouth and teeth healthy, you need to practice good dental hygiene. You can improve the health of your mouth and teeth by brushing twice a day and flossing. Plaque and bacteria can be reduced by regularly rinsing with mouthwash.
You must also visit the dentist every six months for cleanings and exams. Plaque and tartar are removed from the mouth through cleaning, and cavities are detected through examination. You can catch cavities early if you are proactive with your dental health and maintain biannual appointments.
If you are looking for preventative dentistry in Chandler, consider consulting our expert team at Peace of Mind Dental Studio in Chandler, AZ.
