What are cavities?
Cavities are small holes and damaged ares that form in your teeth. They start off as a decay in your enamel that eventually leads to decay within your tooth!
How do they form?
The plaque that builds up on your teeth over time from eating and drinking will eventually turn into acid. This eats away at your enamel and then the rest of the tooth underneath.
What Do Cavities feel like?
Cavities can go unnoticed for sometime before you feel the effects of one. But once the cavity worsens enough you may experience:
Tooth Sensitivity : Hot and cold foods causing a sharp pain in you teeth.
Toothache : A prolonged dull ache or sharp pain in your teeth.
Dark Spots : Spots where you are able to see a cavity directly on your teeth.
Pain When Eating Specifically shewing may cause sharp pain in your teeth.
What Can You Do To Prevent Cavities?
Preventing cavities isn’t difficult, some simple habits and regularly scheduled appointments with your dentist will prevent almost all cavities. Brushing twice daily with toothpaste that contains fluoride (to help strengthen your enamel), while flossing to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth where brushing can’t reach. Limiting the amount of processed sugar you consume as well can help prevent cavities. The bacteria that lives in your mouth will feed off this sugar and produce acid that eats away at your enamel. Lastly, having a dental check-up twice a year. Your dentist can look for early signs of a cavity before they become more extensive.
What Happens If You Get A Cavity?
Cavities don’t heal on their own, and the longer they go untreated, the worse they get. In the early stages, your dentist can fix it with a filling, where the decayed part of the tooth is removed and replaced with a durable material like composite resin or amalgam. But if the cavity gets deeper into the tooth and reaches a nerve, you might need a root canal to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth. In sever cases, when the damage is beyond repair, a tooth extraction may be the only option.What to Do If You Think You Have a Cavity
If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t wait—early detection can prevent serious dental issues. Learn more about cavities and treatment options here.
By understanding what a cavity feels like and spotting the early signs, you can take steps to protect your oral health. Schedule a dental checkup today to keep your smile strong and cavity-free!
