When weakened areas of a tooth don’t remineralize, it creates damage in the form of a tiny hole called a “cavity.”
When weakened areas of a tooth don’t remineralize, it creates damage in the form of a tiny hole called a “cavity.” You can prevent cavities with proper oral hygiene and a healthy, well-balanced diet. However, your risk increases when you have a diet that incorporates a lot of sugar, when you don’t brush your teeth properly, and if you have chronic dry mouth. Genetics and teeth grinding also put you at a higher risk for decay. Brush and floss every day, consume a well-balanced diet, drink plenty of water, wear your nightguard if teeth grinding affects you, and avoid smoking or tobacco products to decrease your risk. Untreated cavities lead to issues such as infections and tooth loss. Here are the telltale indicators that a cavity is forming.
A Cavity is Forming When Your Teeth are Sensitive
Tooth decay erodes the surface of teeth, which exposes the underlying dentin layer. The underlying dentin layer contains fluid-filled tubules connected to nerve endings in the inner pulp layer, which are sensitive to temperature, sweetness, and acid. When you eat or drink hot, cold, or acidic things, you might feel a sharp pain when a cavity is forming. Pressure from brushing and flossing your teeth might also cause you to feel discomfort.
Toothaches
Pain is always a warning sign that something is amiss. The toothache can be a minor sensitivity, a dull, persistent ache, or progress to sharp, penetrating pain with cavities. The discomfort can also become intense and throbbing if the decay worsens and damages your inner pulp.
Discolored Teeth
Plaque and tartar buildup that comes from poor oral hygiene causes areas of yellow discoloration to form on the teeth. Routine dental cleanings remove these deposits with specialized tools. While it might seem ironic, you also want to look for white spots on your tooth enamel because this could indicate early signs of decay. Severe cavities turn gray, black, or brown.
Routine dental cleanings and exams detect hard-to-notice dental health problems while ensuring that your teeth, gum, and mouth are healthy. Another vital gem to keep in mind is that cavities aren’t always noticeable at home. Also, your teeth might not be noticeably discolored. You might be able to enjoy hot, cold, and acidic drinks without feeling sensitivity. Contact Olney Dental today if it’s been a while since you’ve made an appointment.
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Dental Care Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney Dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter,YouTube, and Pinterest.