Our dentists at Guildford Heights Dental understand that even when you try hard to keep your teeth and gums healthy, cavities can strike. But how will you know if you have a cavity?
What is a Cavity?
Bacteria in your mouth, snacking on sweet foods, and poor oral hygiene are all factors that can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Cavities are small holes that develop in your teeth caused by ongoing tooth decay.
Detecting & Treating Cavities Early
In the early stages of a cavity there are no detectable signs that anything is wrong with your tooth. Even when you aren't experiencing any symptoms, and your teeth feel great, cavities may be forming. Which is why regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for preventing cavities and tooth decay.
Twice yearly dental cleanings and checkups give your dentist the opportunity to monitor your oral health as well as spot and treat tooth decay before you notice any painful symptoms. If cavities are left untreated they will continue to grow and become more serious, until you begin to develop unpleasant symptoms.
If you have a cavity you may experience some of the following symptoms:
- A sharp pain when biting down on foods
- Mild to sharp pain when you are eating or drinking anything sweet, hot, or cold
- Sudden tooth pain without any obvious cause
- Small holes may be visible in your tooth
- Staining on the surface of your tooth
- Unusual tooth sensitivity
If you have any of the above symptoms, it's time to make an appointment to see your dentist. Your dentist can diagnose and treat cavities before they cause more serious damage to the tooth.
When it comes to tooth decay, prevention is always better than treatment! To keep your smile healthy and bright, brush your teeth thoroughly twice daily, floss regularly and see your dentist at least once every six months for checkups and professional hygiene cleanings.