Cavities result from bacteria that is left behind on the teeth after an individual consumes food or sugary beverages. This bacteria causes tooth decay, known as a tooth cavity, that leads to numerous painful and unsightly issues. Cavities are the most common, damaging, and preventable reason the patients seek the treatment of a dental professional.
It is crucial that patients practice regular dental hygiene, develop healthy mouth habits, and see their dental provider regularly to prevent the formation of cavities.. If left untreated, cavities can result in extensive damages, including painful gum disease, bad breath, and tooth loss.
The following guide will help patients identify the symptoms of cavities before they cause serious damage. It will also provide important dental hygiene tips to help patients prevent the formation of cavities.
When particles are left on, behind, and in between teeth, plague develops, and tiny cavities form. One of the biggest issues is that patients often have difficulty spotting them before extensive damage has already occurred. Small cavities are often impossible to detect without an x-ray from a dental professional.
Patients are often unaware of the tooth cavity until unpleasant symptoms occur.
Symptom severity depends on the location and level of dental decay that has occurred.
A few signs that you may have a tooth cavity include:
As the damages worsen, the pain can become difficult to bear and impossible to ignore. Patients often make the mistake of delaying dental treatment until this level of pain has occurred.
It is critical that patients seek the care of a qualified dental professional if they experience any issues, even mild symptoms, including sensitivity. Ignoring mild pain, swelling, or sensitivity can result in costly, painful, and visually unpleasant damage to the teeth and gums.
Cavities can be seen by patients once decay has reached a point that it is visually noticeable.
Visual indications that you may have a cavity include:
When a cavity can be seen, it is crucial for patients to immediately seek the care of a dental professional.
On an x-ray, a cavity appears as a shadow or dark spot on, or between the teeth. The sooner that a cavity is identified, the easier it will be to fix. Typically, a cavity requires a patient to receive a filling.
There are several mouth health habits that patients should develop and practice daily to avoid cavities.
Be sure to brush regularly with toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride has been shown to protect the enamel of the teeth and aid the mouth in repairing itself.
Many patients are not brushing their teeth as regularly as they should. Patients should brush a minimum of twice a day to avoid cavities. To provide yourself with the best protection of your teeth and gums, it is wise to brush after every time you eat, or if you consume any beverage that is not water.
This is a good dental health practice that is easy to practice by keeping a travel toothbrush and toothpaste on hand.
The importance of daily flossing cannot be stressed enough. Flossing is the key to removing the food particles that are stuck and not easily seen. These are the particles that lead to plaque build-up and cavities.
There are many causes of dry mouth, including health conditions, body chemistry, and/or prescription medications. This issue is more than a simple annoyance. A dry mouth leads to tooth decay.
There are products available for patients who suffer from dry mouth regularly. If symptoms are persistent, ask your dentist about treatment options that can effectively correct this potentially serious issue.
The best way to prevent cavities is to see your dental provider regularly for cleaning and checkups. This makes it possible for early detection of cavities, gum issues, or other dental issues that could be present.
Dental professionals typically provide patients with preventative diagnostic imaging of teeth on a yearly basis. This includes a full x-ray of the mouth that can spot any cavities that are not yet causing symptoms.
Many issues can be fixed easily and affordably if they are diagnosed early in their progression. The dentist can also identify an early sign of gum disease before it becomes irreversible.
You must seek the care of a dental professional if you notice any changes to your teeth or gum health. This is true even if you have had regular dental care appointments. Early treatment is the key to avoiding further damage that can be costly, painful, and unsightly.
Reach out to the team of dental experts at New York Cosmetic dentistry for superior care and exceptional service. Dr. Braverman provides patients with dental care service that is compassionate, personalized, and specific to the needs of each client.
There are a team of experienced dental professionals eager to help patients achieve the smile that they deserve. They offer numerous services, including veneers, dentures, and orthodontic care.
New York Cosmetic Dentistry also relieves symptoms for patients who suffer with a multitude of gum and jaw issues, including TMJ and chronic bad breath (halitosis).
Contact New York Cosmetic Dentistry if you are having dental issues, including cavities, gum pain or swelling, or pain. Dr. Braverman is proud to help patients achieve total smile makeovers, achieve healthier teeth and gums, and feel reap the overall positive benefits of a healthy mouth.
