Henry’s Health And Medical Advice

Posted on: 19 November 2019

Cavities, also known as tooth decay, are some of the most common dental problems. Primarily caused by the build-up of plaque on a tooth, cavities can become quite serious, especially if not treated early enough. If allowed to get larger, cavities can affect the deeper layers of the affected tooth, which can eventually result in tooth loss. Being aware of the signs of dental cavities will help you seek treatment early and prevent more severe dental problems. With that in mind, below are some of the symptoms of dental cavities to watch out for.

Unexplainable Toothache

Toothaches are some of the most obvious indicators of dental cavities. Usually, toothaches from dental cavities will be spontaneous and can be occasional or continuous. Also, the severity of the pain will depend on the size of the cavity.

Tooth Sensitivity

Unless you have been consuming a lot of acidic foods lately or have been through a tooth whitening procedure, you shouldn't suffer from tooth sensitivity. If you've been having toothaches accompanied by episodes of tooth sensitivity, chances are you have a dental cavity. Depending on the severity of the cavity, the sensitivity can be mild or quite severe. However, keep in mind that tooth sensitivity can also be a sign of other dental problems, such as gum disease.

Bad Breath/Taste

Tooth plaque is one of the major causes of tooth decay. Plaque contains bacteria and is usually caused by the accumulation of food particles on the teeth. The particles together with the bacteria are agents of bad breath. Therefore, if you start having bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth, visit a dentist because this could be a result of a dental cavity problem.

Tooth Staining

Have you recently noticed unusual white, black, brown, or grey spots on your teeth? Chances are high that you have tooth cavities. In the initial stages of tooth decay, the cavities may appear as little white spots. With time, stains from the drinks and food you eat can change the colour of the spots.

Visible Pits in Your Teeth

As dental cavities worsen and burrow deeper into the tooth, they form visible pits or holes. Watch out for such pits when brushing or flossing.

Your dentist can recommend dental fillings or dental crowns depending on the size of the cavity. However, preventing dental cavities is simple. Proper dental hygiene that includes daily flossing, proper brushing, changing your toothbrush regularly, general dental check-ups and the use of sealants are some of the dental decay preventative measures to consider.

For more information, contact a dentist.