According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than nine out of ten adults over the age of twenty in America have had at least one cavity. Surprisingly, the CDC also reported that more than one-fourth of adults in this age group have untreated tooth decay. While prevention remains of paramount importance, early detection and treatment can help you prevent more extensive dental treatment or loss of a tooth. Learn more below about how to know when you have a dental cavity so that you can seek treatment as early as possible.
To find out what we can do about your dental hygiene and any cavities you may have schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry.
What Is A Dental Cavity?
When you hear that you have a dental cavity, you’re being told that you have a pit or hole caused by dental caries, also known as tooth decay. You can have a cavity in a tooth’s enamel, on an exposed root surface, or around a dental filling.
What Causes Cavities?
Several factors can contribute to tooth decay. When bacteria in your mouth mix with sugars and starches from your diet, they form an acid. This acid attacks your tooth to remove minerals from the enamel. Eventually, the enamel weakens, and a cavity forms on its surface. Your risk of a cavity increases if you:
-
Consume excess sugar.
-
Lack fluoride.
-
Have a chronic dry mouth problem.
-
Experience acid reflux.
How Can I Tell If I Have A Cavity?
If you experience any of the symptoms below, you should call us for an evaluation as soon as possible.
-
Tooth sensitivity. Although tooth decay often causes sensitivity, there are also many other reasons. If you notice that your tooth is hypersensitive to hot, cold, or air, you may have a cavity. This symptom can range from mild to severe.
-
Pain when chewing. When a tooth is painful to bite on, you may have a cavity. A cracked tooth also commonly causes this symptom.
-
Toothache. A small cavity with only minor symptoms can lead to a throbbing toothache if the tooth decay is not treated early.
-
A hole in your tooth. Tooth decay can cause a visible hole, especially on a front tooth.
-
Discoloration. A brown, black, or white spot on a tooth should alert you to the possibility of a cavity.
-
Broken tooth. Untreated tooth decay can significantly weaken enamel and cause part of the tooth to break off.
-
Bad taste or halitosis.
How Is A Cavity Diagnosed?
Our goal is to diagnose a dental cavity as early as possible. We do this by:
-
Thoroughly examining your teeth and gums.
-
Taking a thorough dental history to evaluate your symptoms.
-
Examining each tooth with special dental instruments that detect cavities.
-
Taking and carefully inspecting dental x-rays.
What Is The Treatment For A Cavity?
The treatment for dental cavity depends on the extent of damage to the tooth. Treatments can include:
-
Fluoride treatment
-
Fillings
-
Veneers
-
Crowns
-
Root canals (This treatment may be necessary to treat teeth when the nerve is infected with tooth decay.)
How Can I Prevent Cavities?
You can take several steps to lower your risk of tooth decay. These steps include:
-
Brushing and flossing daily.
-
Eating a healthy diet that is low in sugar.
-
Having regular dental checkups.
Schedule An Appointment
Contact us if you would like to learn more about the prevention and early treatment of tooth decay. Call us today and schedule an appointment for a comprehensive oral examination and professional teeth cleaning.