Deterioration to the tooth’s surface or the enamel is known as tooth decay. It occurs when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that break down at your teeth’ enamel. Cavities are caused by tooth decay (dental caries). Cavities are small holes in the hard surface of your teeth that are irreparably damaged.
MOST COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS TO DETECT CAVITIES:
Having a routine dental examination once every 6 months can often trace cavities. A dental x-ray may be required in some cases to verify tooth decay or to check for signs of cavities that are hard to find out. Cavities can develop on all sides and areas of a tooth, but they’re most common behind one’s back teeth since keeping them clean can be far more complicated.
The following are the most common signs of a cavity:
- Striking Discoloration or Dark Spots: Dark spots on the tooth’s exterior can appear when a cavity begins to build. Such spots can sometimes appear to be simple staining at first and you may even suspect you have minor tooth discoloration. The dark spot, on the other hand, grows bigger over time, indicating dental decay
- Undesirable Taste and foul Breath: Bacterial infections cause cavities. The bacteria in your
mouth produce waste that can cause bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth. This may
indicate that it’s time for a dental checkup if you notice that you have prolonged bad breath that is difficult to cover up. - Sensitivity while consuming anything hot or cold: The dentin (the surface under the enamel) can become revealed as the decay progresses infiltrating the tooth. The dentin is more fragile and can cause sensitivity issues. You might notice that one particular tooth or set of teeth are more sensitive than usual and you might witness an increase of pain in one tooth whenever you drink something hot or cold. This symptom indicates tooth decay.
- Irritation and Pain: The cavity-ridden tooth may be feeling pain. It may be difficult to bite down without experiencing excruciating pain. Due to pain or sensitivity, some patients find it difficult to brush or floss certain areas. This is induced by the dentin being exposed, which impacts the tooth’s inner nerve.
- Holes or defects on teeth surfacesThe cavity-causing bacteria eventually find their way into the tooth enamel, causing small pits and holes as infections. These holes indicate that a cavity has been developed, and you will certainly require a filling. The decay can be effectively cleaned, and the new filling will be filled in the visible hole
- Gums that are swollen or bleeding: When a cavity is nearer to the surface of the gum line, the virus of the tooth can affect the soft tissue around it. While brushing or flossing, this can result in bleeding or swollen gums. Gum bleeding can be a result of gingivitis, so visiting a dentist is advised.
- No symptoms: Sometimes, a cavity can be so small that there may be no signs or symptoms of it. In fact. Most individuals are unaware of their cavity until they visit their dentist for a routine checkup. Although no toothache can be a blessing, it can also make it difficult to receive timely treatment. You might not realize there’s a problem with your teeth until it’s too late. So never skip dental checkups and have healthy oral habits.
Certain measures can be taken to strengthen your teeth and help prevent tooth decay and cavities:
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Consume a healthy diet and avoid sugary foods and beverages, which nourish bacteria in your mouth.
- Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride toothpaste helps to prevent cavities by slowing enamel breakdown and making the remineralization process faster. The new enamel that forms is tougher and more acid-resistant which results in preventing decay.
- Floss Every Day: Floss every day to eliminate plaque and food debris from between your teeth, where a toothbrush can’t reach. It further promotes the health of both the teeth and the gums.
- Get routine dental checkups: Schedule regular dental inspections with your dentist, every six months, for a routine dental cleaning and examination.
- Replace Your Toothbrush: Replace your toothbrush every 3 months or when it appears damaged, since the newer the bristles, the more plaque the brush can eliminate.
Make sure to visit Triunity Family Dental Centre for routine dental checkups.