At your dentist’s office, “cavity” is something of a dirty word. Fortunately, with a strong at-home commitment to oral health and regular dental checkups, these dental dings can be detected early and treated quickly, painlessly, and without posing a threat to your oral health.
Today, we’re looking at what cavities are, how to spot them, and why prompt treatment is essential.
What’s a Cavity and How Do I Know If I Have One?
Cavities are tiny holes that develop in your teeth due to prolonged exposure to acids produced by harmful bacteria in dental plaque. Generally speaking, a cavity that’s spotted early on is only a minor inconvenience. It’s thus crucial that we all know how to recognize the early signs of a cavity and avoid the need for more extensive dental work down the road. Here are some telltale signs that a person has a cavity:
- Tooth sensitivity or pain, especially when eating or drinking anything especially hot, cold, or sugary.
- Visible holes or pits on the tooth's surface.
- Cavities sometimes cause brown, black, or white stains on teeth.
- Discomfort or pain when biting down.
Common Causes of Cavities
Understanding why cavities form can help in prevention. The primary culprits include:
- Inadequate brushing and flossing, which allow plaque to accumulate, leading to decay.
- Excessive consumption of sugary foods and drinks; Sugar creates a welcoming environment for the bacteria that produce the acids that attack tooth enamel.
- Frequent consumption of overly acidic foods and beverages, which can result in erosion of tooth enamel.
How Cavities Are Treated and Why You Shouldn’t Let Them Linger
If you suspect a cavity, don't delay seeking treatment. Ignoring it can lead to more serious symptoms like:
- Intensifying toothache that can make it difficult to bite, chew, and sleep
- Infections like dental abscesses (small pockets of pus between the tooth and gums) can both cause intense pain and lead to more serious issues if allowed to linger.
- Tooth loss (in extreme cases)
Rather than allow a simple cavity to fester and result in severe consequences like root canals and tooth extractions, if you spot a cavity, schedule a trip to the dentist where, usually in a single session, your dentist in Sunnyvale can remove the decayed portion, and quickly fill the hole to prevent any further damage.
Dental Fillings in Sunnyvale, CA
If you’re looking for a dentist in Sunnyvale, CA, with the experience and expertise to identify and quickly and painlessly address any cavities that you develop long before they develop into serious issues, contact dentist Dr. Neri Lubomirsky and the Spruce Dental team to schedule an appointment!