Training the Untrained Eye for Cavities
While there are plenty of visual and physical signs that can help you identify if there is a presence of a cavity or possibly something else, only a dentist can tell you for sure. Know the signs to watch out for, and when you experience them get yourself to see your dentist as soon as you can. Here are five of the most common signs and symptoms that may indicate you are dealing with a cavity or cavities.
A toothache. There may be pain, though in some instances, there isn’t any pain symptom. However, this doesn’t mean there is no cavity presence. Cavities are most often caused by acid, created when bacteria ferment carbohydrates from the food we eat. Acid attacks the enamel, weakening it over time enabling plaque formation, and eventually cavities form. These holes can burrow deep, causing toothache.
Pain while eating. Cavities are open holes that may burrow deep into the tooth and allowing bits of food and the acidity of beverages to come in contact with the sensitive layers of the teeth – such as the dentin and the pulp. If it gets to this point, the affected tooth will hurt a lot, especially when it gets pushed down on while eating.
Sensitive teeth. You might be caught unaware when your usually strong and hard teeth develop sensitivity to the food you‘ve been eating or the drinks you used to enjoy. If you develop sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods that you didn’t have sensitivity to before, you may be feeling the effects of a cavity. If cavities are ignored long enough or progressed without treatment, then your teeth are already telling you that there’s a cavity or cavities somewhere. The sensitivity has been triggered by the change in temperature or the sweetness or acidity of your food and drink intake.
Discolored tooth. A tooth with a cavity may look discolored, with a particularly dark area on a white surface. It can be indistinguishable as cavities start out as white. Then gradually they start to darken looking like black spots or holes in your teeth. A visit to your dentist can stop the progress before they get worse.
Thus, even if you’re not a dentist, when you experience any of these aforementioned symptoms, you can certainly be sure, you’re dealing with a cavity. The next best move – is to see your dentist soonest.
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If you should experience a toothache, pain on biting down, sensitive or a discolored tooth, see us at Song Dental. Know more about cavities and how to avoid them.