When it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene, seeing a
dentist regularly can help prevent the majority of dental issues. It is recommended that you see a dentist at least once every six months, or sooner if you experience pain or discomfort. However, even for the best, well-maintained teeth, cavities can still creep up on you. If you notice these signs of cavities, you may want to visit your local dentist office as soon as possible.
What is a cavity?
A cavity is born from tooth decay over time and does not just happen overnight. A cavity is essentially a small hole in the outer layer of the tooth. The easiest way for a cavity to form is when food gets stuck in your teeth, causing plaque buildup in the long run. When you do not brush often or have a diet filled with sugar, the bacteria in your mouth will break down tooth enamel and stay in contact with your teeth, eventually causing the cavity.
Tooth sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity may not necessarily mean that there is a cavity; however, if this pain is constantly on the rise when eating hot, cold or sugary foods, you may have a hidden cavity. Before visiting a
dentist, try switching to a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth first to see if that helps.
Bad breath and toothache
Since cavities are caused by bacteria, it does not take much for bacteria to transition into bad breath. Therefore, bad breath may be a sign of an untreated cavity. This may even mean that the tooth is starting to decay. A toothache is usually a tell-tale sign that something is wrong as well. If you are experiencing constant aches and pains, it may mean that the cavity has reached a nerve and may cause infection if not dealt with as soon as possible. If experiencing a combination of both bad breath and toothache, a specialist should be seen right away. Also, if using gum to mask bad breath, make sure to use ADA-approved gum. This will help promote additional saliva production which washes out some of the bad bacteria after a meal.
Dark spots or holes
Everyone is familiar with the dark spots and holes associated with cavities. If patients feel a sticky sensation along with a hole, this could mean that bacteria is growing and the area has been left untreated. At this point, there is usually no doubt left that a cavity is at work. The best way to avoid these dark holes or spots is to drink lots of water to wash out the sugary bacteria and eat foods that are high in vitamins and minerals.
Protect your smile
There are many ways to prevent a cavity. The best way, in particular, is to go in for a routine oral checkup with your
dentist. Make sure to brush at least twice a day and floss daily to help maintain your gums and teeth. If you would like, you can use mouthwash to get rid of any additional residue and bacteria after brushing and flossing. Most of all, make sure to see a dentist regularly to get properly diagnosed for any periodontal issues.
Are you considering visiting a dentist in the Buford area? Get more information about dentists nearby at https://buforddentist.com. Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Dental Center.
