What are tooth cavities?
Cavities are commonly known as tooth decay. These are tiny openings on the surface of the tooth that can develop into big holes when left untreated. They can lead to other dental problems such as tooth sensitivity, toothache, cracked teeth, and dead teeth eventually, if left untreated.
So, how do you know that you have tooth cavities?
Symptoms of Tooth Cavities
1. Toothache
Toothache can be experienced in different ways. Some patients suffer from long-standing pain coming from their jaws. In most cases, the pain seems to happen for no apparent reason but little did you know that it is a sign that you have tooth cavities.
Others experience a sudden jolt of pain when they bite or munch on food. In several cases, patients also feel a throbbing pain around their teeth coupled with swelling of the gums. Some also feel tenderness and aching in the gums, especially when pressure is applied to the teeth.
2. Teeth Sensitivity
When you feel a sudden and sharp pain as you drink extremely cold or hot beverages, it is teeth sensitivity. In some instances, eating too many sweets or highly-acidic foods can also cause this unwarranted pain.
Sensitive teeth are also a sign that you may have tooth decay. This is the result of the thinning of the tooth enamel. Sometimes the tiny openings cause the stinging sensation when sensitive teeth are exposed to extreme temperatures.
3. Visible Pits on Your Teeth
If you notice the holes on the surface of your teeth, these are visible signs of developing tooth cavities. They usually start with greyish or brownish spots on the teeth which later on develops into holes or pits.
4. Teeth Stains
Teeth stains develop when the enamel or the thin covering protecting the tooth has diminished. When you notice that teeth stains are beginning to form on your teeth, this means that tooth cavities are growing. It is also a sign that you should visit the dentist for a dental checkup.
5. Bad Breath
Another symptom of tooth cavities is bad breath. When you have tooth decay, some holes tend to expose the roots of your tooth. This causes the foul smell that comes out of your mouth when you speak. In some cases, patients may experience an unpleasant taste in their mouths.
Causes of Tooth Cavities
Now that we know the signs of tooth cavities, let’s see what’s causing this dental problem.
● Bacteria
The mouth consists of both good and bad bacteria. When the bad bacteria accumulate, they overpower the good bacteria and impacts the teeth. Your teeth, then, becomes vulnerable to many dental problems including tooth decay.
● Acid
Indulging in too much sugar is one of the most common causes of acid build-up in the mouth. When acid attacks, the enamel of your teeth diminishes which results in the development of tiny holes or pits on the teeth, hence, tooth cavities.
● Food Particles
After having a hearty meal, make it a habit to brush your teeth. Food particles that are left between your teeth and gumlines contribute to the growth of bacteria that causes dental caries.
Treatments for Tooth Cavities
At the first sign of tooth decay, visit your trusted dental providers in South Morang. It helps to tell your dentist what you experienced, whether a sharp pain after eating ice cream or an unpleasant taste and smell even after brushing.
After checking your teeth and gums, your dentist will recommend the best treatment that will suit your oral care needs. Treatments vary depending on the severity of your tooth decay.
Tooth Fillings
When the holes on your teeth are manageable, your dentist may recommend dental fillings. The decay in the holes that are causing the unpleasant smell and taste is removed and the affected area of the tooth is cleaned.
Dental filling substances come in gold or silver amalgam or composite resin. The most popular filling material used in today’s practices is the tooth coloured resin as it resembles the colour and texture of natural teeth. At Smile Ville, silver amalgam is not in use anymore.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are recommended for chipped or cracked teeth resulting from severe tooth decay or after root canal treatment. This treatment works by replacing the outer crown with a custom-fit cap that looks like the real tooth.
Root Canal
Severe tooth cavities sometimes lead to the exposure of tooth roots. When this happens bacteria attacks the exposed nerves (inside of the tooth) causing their decay which also gives a foul smell.
If the cavities severely affect the root of your teeth, the dentist will perform a root canal or will refer you to the specialist endodontist. This involves removing the black, dead and decaying roots causing your toothache and bad breath.
Fluoride Treatments
For mild dental caries, your dentist will clean and scale your teeth and gumlines to remove the plaque build-up. Afterwhich, your dentist will apply a fluoride treatment to prevent a bacterial attack. Fluoride also helps strengthen the enamel of your teeth. It may be best to use fluoride toothpaste to ensure that you maintain your teeth even at home.
Now that you know what tooth cavities are, their symptoms, causes and treatments, remember to brush your teeth at least twice daily and visit the dentist every 6 months. By doing so, it reduces the risk of having tooth decay.
Contact Smile Ville in South Morang and say goodbye to tooth cavities!
