Unbelievable as it may sound, of adults, 92% have had at least one cavity. This makes dental cavities are the most common disease globally, mostly thanks to the amount of sugar eaten by people.
Is it always painful when you have a cavity? At what point should you schedule an appointment TLC Dental Care? Our latest blog post talks about spotting a possible cavity, and how to handle it.
Recognizing A Cavity
Cavities occur when the enamel or surface of a tooth is damaged by bacteria and acid. This ultimately creates what we know as a cavity, which is simply a pit in the tooth. The cavity starts at the enamel but can continue on to the dentin, or inner layer of your tooth.
Sometimes, you can tell you have a cavity if you see a dark spot on your tooth. But this won’t always be the case. Occasionally, these dark spots might only be stains caused by food or drinks.
In other cases, a spot may not be visible even if a cavity is present. Dark spots can also be due to an injury or even be due to some medications. So, if you think you may have a cavity, the best thing to do is visit Dr. Sangha for a thorough exam.
Don’t Cavities Cause Pain?
Feeling pain from tooth decay is determined by how far along the decay is. You likely won’t feel anything when the decay is in the enamel layer, but, as the decay gets deeper into the tooth, this is when the pain will start. Pain or sensitivity to hot or cold can happen once the cavity reaches the dentin of the tooth.
It’s vital to get any tooth pain checked by your dentist since it may lead to more serious infections or tooth loss. The sooner the dentist can treat a cavity, the more likely it will be easier to treat.
The dentist will check your mouth for cavities by identifying soft spots on your teeth. You will also have x-rays to locate any decay that you can’t see or feel, such as those where teeth touch.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay
Cavities are formed from foods like bread, fruit, cake, candy, and other sugar or carbohydrates that stay on your teeth for too long. The bacteria that are present in your mouth break these down and change them into acids. The acids combine with the saliva in your mouth, turning into plaque, which then will cling to the teeth. It’s this plaque that will slowly dissolve the tooth’s enamel.
To keep cavities from starting, make sure you steer clear of beverages and foods with too many carbohydrates/sugar and brush and floss your teeth properly in order to eliminate any plaque that may be on your teeth.
Don’t Put It Off! Get in Touch With Your Dentist!
Unfortunately, there’s no way to find out if you have a cavity without visiting a dentist. Once you have a cavity, it only gets worse the longer you wait. If you have any concerns about your teeth, schedule an appointment with Dr. Sangha as soon as possible.