If you’ve ever had a cavity before, you know that sometimes they can come as a surprise to you. Use our guide to detect when you are getting a cavity and what to do next!
A cavity is a point of decay in a tooth that must be treated before it grows. In order to fix a cavity, the decay must be removed with a drill, essentially forming a hole in the affected tooth. After the area is completely cleaned out, it will be filled with a filling material and sealed.
Because a cavity is a source of decay, your tooth is essentially rotting. Therefore, there could be an odor coming from the tooth that could give away the problem. When the decay hits the enamel, pain may begin to occur in your tooth. More common than pain is sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages For many people, pain does not occur with a cavity so they can be difficult to detect if you aren’t making bi-annual trips to the dentist.
If you think you may have a cavity, the first thing you should do is call your dentist. Cavities are often hard to detect on your own so if you are feeling sensitivity, pain or discomfort, you likely are suffering from a cavity. The only way to know for sure whether you have a cavity or not is for your dentist to take a look and see what’s going on. They will likely need to take x-rays to be sure of the severity of the decay.
The best way to prevent cavities from forming is to commit to an oral care regime. Flossing, rinsing, and brushing your teeth twice a day are the first steps toward preventing cavities. Furthermore, if you are visiting your dentist twice a year, you will be able to stay on top of any cavities that may be forming and prevent further damage such as a root canal that will likely occur if your cavity goes untreated.
