Tooth decay starts for a number of different reasons. Whether it’s a diet high in sugars (like soda, candy, and baked goods) or one focused on low quality grains, our teeth simply can’t hold up to some types of foods and drinks. One of the earliest signs of tooth decay is a cavity; all too often, Lake Anna dentists like us see painful cavities that have worsened due to a lack of treatment. In order for our community to better prevent advanced cavities and tooth decay, we believe its essential to be able to spot cavities in their early stages. In today’s post, you’ll find three early symptoms of forming cavities, and what to do about them.
Hyper Sensitivity
Some people are able to tell when they have a cavity right away because a section of their mouth has become over sensitive to hot or cold foods. A cavity is a tiny hole that forms in your teeth due to loss of enamel, and (once created) allows steam and cold sensations to travel towards your soft gums and root. If you’ve noticed your teeth have become abnormally sensitive to hot and cold, we suggest checking in with one of our Lake Anna dentists to confirm you have a cavity, and address it quickly before it gets worse.
Small Dark Spots on your Teeth
If a cavity forms on the flat side of a molar, it’s likely you’ll notice a small dark speck on your tooth that refuses to be brushed off. Depending on the age of the cavity, you may or may not feel pain in that area; regardless, if you’ve noticed one of these small spots, check in with your dentist.
Toothaches
As your cavity becomes more pronounced, you may start to experience toothaches during the day and night. If you’ve noticed a dull pain in a specific area of your mouth, or have noticed that a particular area of your jaw has suddenly become enflamed, it’s time to see a dentist before the cavity impairs your ability to eat and drink.
Cavities are a common type of tooth decay; unfortunately, the fact that they are so common has made many people disregard their cavities until the point where they are in severe pain, or get a tooth infection. As a cavity gets worse, the once-small hole will widen, allowing small food particles to remain stuck in the hole. Because these food particles are difficult to completely remove without the help of a dental professional, they remain in the cavity as they disintegrate, further contributing to the amount of tooth decay. If the cavity is allowed to get worse, eventually it will cause a tooth infection that calls for a root canal procedure rather than a simple cavity filling.
If you suspect you have a cavity, or are ready to get one filled, our Palmyra VA dentists are ready to help. For more information about cavities and tooth decay, or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.