Are you worried that you might have tooth decay or a dental cavity? This is a common oral health issue and, luckily, can be easily treated by your dentist. (Also, by visiting your dentist every six months, you can prevent decay from causing damage to your oral health down the road!) If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible so that the decay cannot progress further, as this can cause severe oral health issues when left untreated.
If you have dental pain or sensitivity…
One of the most well-known symptoms of a cavity is dental pain. When a cavity first forms, you likely will not feel anything. However, as the decay progresses, it reaches the softer tissues beyond the enamel such as the nerve and dentin layer. This can be quite painful, particularly when biting down.
If your teeth are oversensitive to heat and cold…
You may find that it is more painful to drink cold beverages or eat hot soup when you have a cavity. This is often a result of the cavity exposing the dentin layer of your tooth. This layer is hidden beneath the enamel (or white outer layer) and is comprised of numerous microscopic tubules that connect directly to the nerve within your tooth. When your nerve is exposed, it makes your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold stimuli.
If you have white spots on your tooth…
When minerals have depleted on the surface of your teeth, it can look like a small white spot. This is one of the earlier signs of decay. Thankfully, this has not become a cavity just yet, and the damage can still be reversed. To do so, be sure to brush with a fluoridated toothpaste or use a fluoride rinse. This will restore the minerals in your dental enamel and help your teeth fight decay.
If you see dark spots on your tooth…
Cavities that have been left untreated for a long duration of time can usually become visible to the naked eye. This can look like a dark or light brown spot on your tooth where the structure has begun to dissolve and soften. You might find these spots between your teeth or, more likely, on the tops of your molars. If your cavity has progressed to this point, it is important to visit your dentist straight away.
If you have bad breath…
When you have a cavity, it can create space for the bacteria in plaque to become stuck and even burrow into the soft inner layers of your teeth. This can cause the pulp in your tooth to decay and, eventually, emit an unpleasant odor.
Do you think you may have a cavity? If so, it is important to visit your dentist right away. Call Advanced Family Dental & Orthodontics in Crest Hill to schedule your next appointment.