Cavities are one of the most common reasons to see a dentist in Raleigh. They are usually caused by poor oral hygiene which allows the bacteria inside the mouth to slowly eat away at your natural teeth.
When this bacteria feeds on the food particles left in the mouth, they release acids that break down the tooth’s natural enamel. Over time, this bacteria can create holes in the tooth and even enter it, starting to eat away at the dentin, nerves, and other tissues. When left unchecked, a tooth cavity can become so severe that the tooth becomes infected.
This is why it’s so important to get a cavity treated as soon as possible. Here are 5 signs that you may be dealing with a cavity:
One of the most telling signs that your dental health needs attention is a toothache. Ongoing tooth pain could indicate one of your natural teeth is dealing with a cavity.
The severity of the pain generally depends on how large the cavity is, but it usually becomes worse when you apply pressure to the tooth while chewing. The pain can sometimes be sharp, or consistent.
If you notice one of your teeth has a dark spot or hole, then it’s a clear sign a cavity is forming there. However, some cavities might be more difficult to spot, depending on their placement.
For instance, cavities forming in the front surface of the tooth could become visible right away. You may notice them while brushing your teeth or taking a selfie. But those that form in the crevices or between the teeth are more difficult to spot.
Cavities usually create a sharp pain when the tooth is exposed to food and drinks that are too hot or too cold.
This happens when the bacteria starts to affect the tooth dentin, which is the layer that lies just beneath the enamel. When heat or cold touch the dentin, it leads to a stimulation of the nerves and cells inside the tooth, which causes pain.
Eating candy or drinking sweet beverages can also cause a bit of lingering pain if you’re dealing with a cavity. Like with hot and cold food, sweets can lead to higher levels of pain if the enamel is damaged.
Cavities can first appear as tiny white sports, but as the cavity advances, you can slowly begin to notice these spots darkening.
Moreover, large cavities can also cause tooth discoloration. The tooth itself can look darker or slightly gray.
If you’ve noticed the signs of a tooth cavity, Dr. Daiana Atari can help restore your oral health with compassionate and expert dental care services.
Contact Smileplicity Dentistry today to schedule your restorative appointment!
