You don’t want to hear your dentist tell you that you’ve got a tooth cavity. A cavity is simply the result of a gap in the tooth caused by decay that develops with time. It is possible that you don’t even realize you have a cavity until certain signs become difficult to ignore.
If you do get an infection, you’re likely to require a dentist to take care of the issue. To avoid having to get an appointment for a filling, it’s best to take dental care and be aware of warning signs that something could be off.
A sign that you might have a tooth cavity
Sometimes, a tiny dental cavity is hard to recognize on your own. The dentist will require a probe to your tooth or perform an X-ray of your teeth to identify the cavity. At this time, a cavity will start to become visible to you. Here are some of the most typical signs of a growing cavity.
Toothache
Your tooth might throb or hurt as you be tempted to poke your tongue against it. The pain can become more painful after eating something cold, hot, or very sweet.
Sensitivity
You’re noticing the teeth of the one you have are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations than it was previously. If you drink warm or cold you might be able to feel yourself wrinkling.
Dark or discolored spots on teeth
It could be an uncolored spot on your tooth or discolored or dark. Whatever it is, it does not match the remainder of your teeth it’s a sign that something’s wrong.
A hole in the tooth
It could be a tiny crack. It could also be a bigger hole or crack you can feel using your tongue. If you notice an opening in your tooth it’s likely that you’re seeing dental work that’s coming up.
The gums are swelling or bleeding.
Your gums might appear raw and red or swollen particularly close to the line of your tooth. You might even notice blood leaking from the gums.
Bad breath
Bad breath may be caused by the onions you ate at lunch. If it does not go away even after you’ve cleaned your teeth or applied mouthwash, could be an indication of a dental cavity. A persistent bad breath is usually an indication of gum disease.
How does the beginning of a cavity appear like?
Food particles left inside your teeth may mix with the bacteria present inside your mouth. They then begin to form a fine sticky layer called plaque. It could even be formed around your teeth in the vicinity of the gum line and cause gum disease to form.
Gingivitis, which causes inflammation of gums is the main cause of tooth decay as well as cavities. It is possible to feel that a part of the gumline is getting a bit tender or that your tooth is beginning to hurt slightly. These symptoms could be a body signal to you that a cavity may be beginning to form.
You may notice a tiny streak of white on the surface of your teeth it’s an indication you’re losing crucial minerals that help keep it strong and healthy. The process is known as demineralization.
You might not show any symptoms whatsoever This is why it’s vital to be proactive in your prevention efforts also.
Can you reverse a cavity?
The answer is simple: no. “Once tooth structure is destroyed and a hole is created the tooth structure that is missing will not grow back,” says Dr. Lee. The only option is an oral procedure.
If the tooth’s structure is weak but not destroyed, which indicates that it’s an early tooth cavity “diet modification, better oral hygiene, and the use of fluoride-containing toothpaste can reduce the decay rate and in some cases even stop the decay” Says Dr. Lee. Even if you’ve experienced several dental cavities, it’s not too late to begin stepping up your routine of oral hygiene and it’s always worthwhile. The adult set of teeth you’ve acquired should last for the rest of your life!
When should you visit the dentist
In general, it is recommended to consult a dentist to receive routine dental check-ups regularly. It is contingent on your requirements and the condition of your teeth. According to the American Dental Association recommends having regular visits to an experienced dentist for routine dental exams. It could happen once or every two years.
Don’t delay until the next appointment comes around in case you’re having any problems.
Visit your dentist whenever you notice any changes to your gums or your teeth, specifically when there’s swelling or pain associated with it. If your gums seem puffy or bleeding, or the teeth start to pain, you should call an appointment with a dentist.
How to avoid cavities
The positive news is: Preventing tooth decay works. You can prevent losing minerals from the teeth, and also replenish them with minerals, which means you’ll not be at risk of developing tooth decay and dental cavities in the near future. This process is known as Remineralization.
There is a method to stop cavities from becoming a problem Brushing your teeth at least twice each day.
If you use a toothpaste that contains fluoride it is possible to remove all the debris and bacteria that cause plaque on your teeth as well as at the gum line. If you clean your teeth using fluoride toothpaste it also assists the enamel of your teeth to heal and regenerate.
The research has proven that using toothpaste with high fluoride aids even more than toothpaste with no fluoride.
A few other methods that will help you to prevent the development of cavities:
- Brush your teeth each all day.
- Limit the amount of sugary foods that you consume to ensure that no residues end up in your mouth.
- Cleanse the teeth after you’ve had sticky, sugary meals.
- Take a sip of fluoridated water throughout the throughout the day.
- Consult a dentist about an extra dental treatment with fluoride.
- Consult a physician If you suffer from an irritated mouth as it may result in dental decay (atTrusted Source)
- Chew gum that is sugar-free that studies suggest it can help reduce the amount of the amount of bacteria that cause cavities.
- Discuss sealing your teeth with dental cement for you or your child’s dental needs.
In addition, ongoing research (Trusted Source) suggests that there could be alternative ways to replenish your enamel even if the decay is only affecting the enamel.